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A NOVEL. 


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CORANNA 


A NOVEL,. 


BY 

ELLA HARDING-DAVIS. 

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ST. LOTJIS : 

NIXON -JONES PRINTING CO, 




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Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1889, by 
ELLA HARDING DAVIS, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C 


CORANNA 


J-JENRI LEGIJAY, of the firm of Coranna & 
Leguay, was reclining on a sofa in his office 
clown town, snatching a rest between the hours of 
business, which were ended, and those of pleasure, 
which had not as yet begun. Failing in his profes- 
sion in a country town, Leguay had come to Mag- 
norum and been taken into partnership by the al- 
ready prosperous lawyer Coranna. Nobody was 
able to tell just how this had come about. Coranna 
had all the money, and was supposed to have the 
greater share of brains ; but, however it was, Le- 
guay had proved an excellent partner and the two 
young men were fast friends. Leguay had taken 
well in society, too. He was not popular in the 
same sense as Charlie Coranna, who was hailed with 
delight wherever he chose to show his face, but he 
held his own and if he was not so welcome he was 
always invited. He assumed a critical attitude and 
his opinions were quoted. He found himself pos- 
sessed of power to please, to wound, to make, or 
to mar — and he used it. He was sarcastic and his 

( 3 ) 


4 


COR ANN A. 


sarcasm was feared. Charlie aimed only to please. 
Both men were on the high road to success. Cor- 
anna’s father, leaving Italy because of a family feud, 
had settled in Magnorum a half century since. He 
had brought a fortune with him, succeeded in increas- 
ing it, and at his death bequeathed it to his widow, 
not doubting but that it would finally find its way 
into the hands of his son. The latter set about ac- 
quiring an income for himself by means of the law 
and in this he was successful. Coranna was unaf- 
fectedly fond of society and very gay. His mother 
assisted him in maintaining his position, and was al- 
so kind to Leguay, but she did not seem to fancy 
the latter’s sister, and it was of this that Henri was 
thinking, when a quick step on the stairs roused him 
from his reverie. Presently his partner entered. 

“Hallo, Charlie, have you come to make me a 
visit? Don’t you see enough of me in the day- 
time? Whew, how we are dressed up! Don’t 
come too close, I might faint?” 

“ Quit your chaff, now, and come along. I expect- 
ed to find you ready. Aren’t you going?” 

“ Going where?” 

“ To Mrs. Melton’s ball. Don’t you remember 
she invited us to come early and see a little of her 
friend Miss Van Strat before the rest came.” 

“Oh, yes, to be sure, I had forgotten all about 
it. Who is this Miss Van Strat?” 

“ She’s Clara’s friend.” 

“I know that, but is she worth going to see? 


COR ANN A. 


5 


She might be old, or ugly, or skinny or freckled — 
she might be oh — anything and then think how a 
fellow would feel, going so early and having to stay 
so long.” 

“ Fm going to risk it.” 

“ Oh you can afford to be independent, your 
boots fit. Mine are — ” 

“Tight?” 

“ Awful. Have you seen the girl?” 

“I saw her for a short time to-day,” returned 
Coranna, the color deepening in his cheeks. 

“ How does she look? Tell me about her,” 
eagerly. 

“ Come and see for yourself. I’m off. I’ll send 
the carriage back for you.” 

“ Tell Clara I will be along directly then,” Le- 
guay called after him as he passed out. 

Upon his partner’s departure Leguay went into 
his room adjoining the office and proceeded to dress 
leisurely and with the utmost care. 

“ I wonder if that girl amounts to anything,” 
was the burden of his thought. “ Queer, but that’s 
the first time I ever saw Coranna’ s face change 
color at mention of a woman. Likes them all as a 
rule, but one no better than the other. Charlie’s 
hard to suit, but I think Estelle will suit him. 
He’ll have to be suited. Let him dare to slight 
her,” and his brow darkened at the bare suggestion. 

It was very late indeed when Leguay greeted 
Mrs. Melton. “ Another time I shall send you an 


6 


CORANNA. 


invitation for the next day, truly I shall, Henri. 
Charlie told me to expect you, but I had quite 
given you up.” 

“ Now, Clara, don’t be cross. You must admit 
that if I don’t come earlier than any one else, I 
usually stay later.” 

“ They are all in the ball-room. Come, and I 
will introduce you to my friend.” 

“ Can’t we stay here for awhile and have a little 
chat?” he pleaded. 

Leguay had a way of apparently preferring Mrs. 
Melton’s society to that of any other lady, no mat- 
ter how charming she might be reputed. He knew 
how subtly flattering it was. 

“ Good gracious, Henri, here I have half Mag- 
norum on my hands and you expect me to spend 
the evening in a tete-a-tete with you ; how unreason- 
able !” and she led the way to the ball-room with- 
out more ado. 

They paused for a moment to survey the scene. 
A mirror stretched one way across the room made the 
space appear illimitable. The sides resembled the 
outskirts of a forest and the floor almost black and 
highly polished reflected the twinkling lights and 
formed a perfect background for the dainty toilets 
of the dancers. 

“ You are getting to be Wagnerian in your tastes, 
Clara. This reminds one of the Black Forest.” 

“ And Lutie completes the picture, does she not? 
There she is, dancing with Charlie Coranna.” 


CORANNA. 


7 


Leguay glanced carelessly in the direction indi- 
cated and then caught his breath with a perceptible 
start. Corunna was waltzing toward him, and on 
his arm rested a young girl, very young, almost a 
child she seemed to Henri. Now her face was to- 
ward him. What a dazzling complexion ! and that 
soft flush of health and happiness, how exquisite it 
was ! Her hair, falling on her forehead in a golden 
fringe, was braided a la Marguerite and came be- 
low her waist ; Henri longed to loosen it. She 
wore a peasant costume, such as peasants never 
wear, of blue velvet, laced in front over a mass of 
illusion, caught at the neck with a jewel and just 
revealing the merest glimpse of a dainty bosom. 
She and Corunna were dancing as only people can 
dance w r ho love the pastime and have found the 
right partner. Mrs. Melton was called from his 
side for a time, and he stood watching the dancers. 
In that brief interval he saw that Charlie was fall- 
ing in love. The waltz ending, Coranna seated his 
partner and presently a little group formed about 
them. Lutie was chattering merrily. Leguay 
could not hear what she was saying, but he knew it 
must be amusing from the little trills of laughter 
that greeted him at intervals. When Mrs. Melton 
returned they advanced into the room. The guests 
parted and presently she was in their midst. 

“ Lutie, this is my friend Mr. Leguay — Miss Van 
Straat.” 

She bowed and Henri joined the group and made 


8 


CORANNA. 


some commonplace remarks. He remained at her 
side for a few moments, but found himself “ out ” in 
the conversation, so he did not linger. He was not 
in a mood for dancing and withdrew to his former 
post of observation. 

“ Charlie is everybody to-night, but pshaw, what 
woman was ever won in a crowd. I’ll make it a 
point to see her alone once in awhile. I am sorry 
for Charlie, and I suppose it will play the deuce 
with the partnership ; but it can’t be helped. There 
ought to have been two women, but as it is there is 
only one and she is that one. Look to your laurels, 
my dear Charlie,” departing with a sneer. “ When 
there is a woman in the case I always have won and, 
please the devil, I always will.” 

Coranna was among the last to depart. Lutie 
was conscious of a queer little thrill when he bade 
her good-bye. Not that he had said any thing un- 
usual, but his soul was in his eyes. 


The morning after Mrs. Melton’s ball Leguay was 
late in getting down to the office, something that 
did not happen once a year. He was in an angry 
mood ; brought face to face with a problem that 
appeared impossible of solution. Not deeming him- 
self capable of anything so trivial as a foolish in- 
fatuation, he had fallen passionately in love at first 
sight and so unfortunately had Coranna. He could 


COR ANNA. 


9 


gauge the latter’s feeling by his own. In a fair 
race the odds would all be against him. In any 
comparison with Coranna he would suffer, and 
though he might sneer, he must own to himself that 
Coranna had the start. Only through treachery 
had he the least hope of success and he feared that ! 
Leguay could not afford to antagonize his partner. 
Charlie had been deceived as to his real character 
so far simply because he had not permitted a trace 
of it to be seen. He had never wronged his partner 
in the least. He liked Charlie well enough and 
heretofore their interests had not clashed. Would 
it be possible to deceive him? Charlie was pure 
hearted, but he had never shown himself deficient in 
insight. Estelle might help him. She, too, was 
interested, and fertile in resource. He had called at 
her apartments last evening, but found that she had 
not returned to the city. A room was arranged for 
Leguay ’s temporary occupation at the residence 
of his sister and there he had remained to pass a 
restless night. When he got to the door of the 
office it jarred upon him to hear a sound of chat- 
tering and laughing in place of the usual quite. 
On entering he found everybody trying to talk to 
him at once. 

4 4 Your,” began the office boy. 

44 Sah,” from the porter. 

44 Sir, I beg leave to announce,” interrupted a 
pompous old gentleman he did not remember to 
have seen before. 


10 


CORANNA. 


“Your uncle has — ” the stenographer called, 
raising his voice which was instantly smothered by 
a shower of papers Coranna threw at him. 

“Say another word, if you dare! This is my 
news. Here I have been waiting around all morn- 
ing and now you want to cheat me out of telling it. 
You can just keep still.” 

The youth subsided amidst a general laugh. Cor- 
anna hurried forward. “ I have some pleasant 
news for y6u, Henri, something that will surprise 
you.” 

“ Nothing in that line will surprise me,” returned 
Leguay almost sullenly, “ something pleasant is al- 
ways happening to you. You are one of fortune’s 
favorites.” 

“ How do you think that role will become you, 
Henri? You’re the lucky individual this time. 
Have you heard from your Uncle Denton lately.” 

“No — not for about a year. Why?” 

“ He is dead.” 

“ Indeed — and you call that pleasant news ! Am 
sorry to hear it. I very seldom saw the old gentle- 
man, but he was always quite civil to me.” 

“ I thought you could scarcely feel a personal 
loss under the circumstances; that is, you saw bo lit- 
tle of him ; he has left you all his fortune.” 

“Never — why, what has become of his son?” 

“ It seems that he died a short time ago. Mr. 
Denton made a will in your favor immediately and had 
barely time to conclude it when he too was called. 


CORANNA. 


11 


It is a handsome property ; enough to assure you of 
a good income, so this gentleman informs me,” in- 
troducing his late uncle’s lawyer. 

Astonished and confused, Leguay found nothing 
to say. He was eagerly interested, for money was 
the one thing he craved above all others. At least 
this might have been said a day previous. How ab- 
surdly eager and delighted Charlie was. 

“ The funeral takes place'to-morrow, if you desire 
to attend it you will have to leave on the next train 
over the O. & H.” announced the lawyer. 

4 ‘What time does the train start?” inquired 
Leguay. 

“ I don’t know exactly, but very soon; I leave 
for the depot at once.” 

“ Go and find out when the next train leaves,” 
Coranna called to the hoy. “ If I were in your place, 
Henri, I would go and attend to affairs at once. I’ll 
try to manage without you for a week or two, al- 
though I will have my hands full and no mis- 
take.” 

“ Train starts in half an hour,” announced the 
office boy returning. 

“ Denton Place is some distance off the railroad ; 
I should advise you to a — take a few things. It 
will take some time to arrange Mr. Denton’s affairs, 
I assure you.” 

“ That’s so, thanks for the suggestion, I had a 
valise around here, somewhere,” said Leguay, be- 
ginning to search. 


12 


COR ANN A. 


“Here it is,” and the boy hauled it out. 
“Pshaw, it’s locked.” 

“ Yes, I locked it and put the key somewhere — 
where I should be sure to know where it was, I wish 
I could think.” 

“Here it is, tied to the lock,” remarked Cor- 
anna. 

“ My clothes are all over the room in there. 
Bring me a few of them, quick; I have not got a 
moment to lose. Have you lost your senses, boy? 
How can I put a stovepipe into this grip. Bring 
me a few collars. They are in a bundle on the 
right-hand side.” 

“Pll get them, myself,” volunteered Coranna, and 
he withdrew. Returning with the bundle, he cut 
the strings that bound it and presently the floor was 
strewn with ribbons, gloves, and divers other arti- 
cles of feminine apparel. “ How singular,” he 
ejaculated. 

“ Oh, that’s a bundle Estelle had sent here,” 
groaned Leguay. “ Lock the door, I hear some- 
body coming. What on earth do I want with a 
photograph album and a scent bottle? Be careful, 
that’s atlar of roses. Great Caesar, if you haven’t 
spilt the stuff all over me, and it will smell forever. 
If Estelle comes home before I get back, tell her 
to come out to Denton. Charlie, you’ll find those 
papers you wanted in the safe and — ” 

Here some one on the outside began knocking 
and rattling at the door. “ There has been an ac- 


CORANNA. 


13 


cident and you can’t come in,” shouted the office 
boy through the key-hole. 

“Oh, I just wanted to say that Mr. M. made a 
mistake. That train starts over the O. & H. in fif- 
teen minutes ” 

“ You’ll have to hurry then,” declared Coran na, 
who had succeeded in getting the right bundle and 
was jamming its contents into the valise at a great 
rate. “ You had better be off right now. Telegraph 
and I’ll send you anything you need. Good-bye.” 

“ Here, I’ll have to go to the funeral, perfumed, 
like a popinjay,” grumbled Leguay. 

The valise had been crammed to an extent that did 
not permit of its closing. “I’ve a good mind not to 
go at all,” he declared, kicking at it impatiently. 

“Oh, that would never do,” answered Coranna, 
throwing half the things out. 

“ The driver says he won’t try to make the de- 
pot in less than five minutes,” called the boy. 

Leguay seized the valise, from which a sleeve 
was dragging and hurried off trying to fasten it as 
he went and responding gruffly to the last good- 
byes. Even his unexpected good fortune had failed 
to put him into good humor, though he could make 
no pretense of grief, for he had never met his cous- 
in and his uncle but rarely. 

“ Here, boys, you must fix up this office right 
away. It looks as if a whirlwind had struck it. 
I want those articles put back in that bundle pre- 
cisely as they were. Won’t Henri catch it when 


14 


CORANNA. 


Estelle comes home ! An engagement for every 
night this week, and Henri gone in the day-time. 
I shall have to settle down to business.” He sat 
down, but continued at his desk only a few moments, 
then pushing his papers away he arose. “ I 
couldn’t work to-day if salvation depended on it. 
But I ought to, it is really pressing. What can be 
the matter with me?” 

Re-seating himself he made a second attempt, but 
the song that had been thrilling in his heart all 
morning burst forth. Whenever Coranna was very 
happy he sang, to the great delight of the office boy, 
who gesticulated frantically to the others to stop 
making a noise, and, all unmindful of his audience 
of three, Coranna’s happy voice rang out : — 

“ It is better to laugh than be sighing, 

When we think how life’s moments are flying, 

For each sorrow, fate ever is bringing, 

There’s a pleasure in store for us springing. 

Tho’ our joys, like the waves in the sunshine, 

Gleam awhile then be lost to the sight, 

Yet for each sparkling ray that so passes away, 

Comes another more brilliant and light. 

Then ’tis better to laugh than be sighing, 

They are wise who resolve to be gay, 

When we think how life’s moments are flying, 

O enjoy pleasure’s gift while we may.” 


“ Are you sure you are awake, Lutie? ” inquired 
Mrs. Melton when, at twelve o’clock, that young 


COR ANN A. 


15 


lady succeeded in making her way down-stairs and 
began inquiring pathetically for breakfast. 

“ Yes, but I am tired,” she replied, sinking lan- 
guidly into a chair and clasping her hands above her 
head ;“ just comfortably and deliciously tired. I’m 
glad that I am ; I like to be tired.” 

“ What a child you are, Lutie, and what a delight 
you take in life. I only wish ” — and the rest was 
a sigh. 

“Now, Clara, are you going to give me anything 
to eat? Besides being tired I’m hungry. Tired 
and hungry, oh how doleful it sounds,” in a tone of 
mock pathos to which the surrounding luxury proved 
a merry contrast. 

“ Will you take tea, coffee, or chocolate? ” 

“ Coffee, please.’ ’ 

“ You haven’t appeared much too soon. I expect 
Mr. Coranna shortly. You will like Charlie, I am 
sure. He is not at all rich, but as far as society is 
concerned he stands at the very top. His mother 
is a fine old lady, but let me warn you she is very 
fastidious.” 

“ Were the people I met last night supposed to be 
very fastidious? ” 

“Yes, my dear, you may consider that you have 
met some of our best people. But lam not going 
to flatter you. You must have felt your own suc- 
cess.” 

“I tried to be pleasantand they acted just lovely, 
not the least bit stiff or what do you call it — un- 


16 


CORANNA. 


approachable? The girls tried to scare me out of 
coming. They said that if you weren’t as rich as 
Croesus they’d freeze you out in Magnorum.” 

“I’d like to see them try to freeze out anybody 
that was visiting me,” flashed Mrs. Melton. 

“We can’t claim that they tried the freezing- 
out process last night. I was rather uncomfortably 
warm most of the time,” laughed Lutie. 

“You mischief, you are either a natural flirt or 
have practiced extensively somewhere.” 

“ Nowhere.” 

“ Keep the flirting on your own side and you will 
be all right. Watch that nobody flirts with you. 
It is wicked in that case. Mr. Coranna said he 
would call to-day. I treat Charlie and Henri 
Leguay just as if they were brothers. I have known 
them both since I was a girl. I have asked Charlie 
to assist me while you are here, I believe Henri is a 
little put out about it. He was my brother’s chum 
at college and always expects to be preferred ; but it 
just happened that Charlie was with me at the time 
and I didn’t give the matter a second thought. I 
expect Henri will call too, though not so soon ; but 
pshaw, let him pout. We will get along very nicely 
without him.” 

“ Oh, I am so glad it is not to be Mr. Leguay. I 
don’t like him at all,” cried Lutie impetuously. 
“ I think he looks mean. You must forgive me,” 
she continued softly, “ I ought not to speak so of 
your friend.” 


COR ANNA. 


17 


“ Oh, never mind ; but you are mistaken in Henri, 
Lutie, he is the best of brothers. He has one sister, 
Estelle, and he is very devoted to her. By the 
way, I have heard her name linked with that of 
Charlie Coranna quite often ; but there is nothing 
in it ; I am sure Charlie has never paid her more 
than the ordinary attention due the sister of his 
best friend. I believe they say that she is in 
love with him, but I dare say it is all mere gossip. 
My dear, how I envy you your complexion; not 
one woman in a thousand could wear that shade of 
green and in broad daylight, too.” 

“ That’s one advantage of being a Dutch girl,” 
laughed Lutie. “ When my great-grandmother 
came over in — it couldn’t have been the Mayflower 
that wasn’t the name of the Dutch ship — she had 
the fairest complexion and the longest hair in the 
crowd.” 

“ Here comes Charlie now ; don’t mind Lutie, he 
is always entirely at home here. Dishabille, non- 
sense ; your dress is entirely proper child ; sit still.” 
Lutie had half risen, intending to disappear ; but 
Coranna’s entrance prevented this and she sank 
back in her chair feeling slightly confused. Coranna 
came forward looking delighted. “ Good morning, 
ladie3,Iam in luck, as usual. Henri said this morn- 
ing that I was always lucky. After this I will be- 
lieve him.” 

“ Is there any news, Charlie?” began Mfs. Melton, 
trying to engage his attention until Lutie should 
2 


18 


CORANNA. 


recover her composure. Charlie was quite willing 
to converse with Mrs. Melton only, hut he would 
not keep his eyes off Lutie. 

“ I have come to beg the honor of taking Miss 
Van Straat for a drive in my cutter. Do you like 
sleighing, Miss Van Straat? I assure you we make 
quite a point of it here in Magnorum.” 

Lutie let her pleasure at the prospect shine in her 
face and looked inquiringly at Mrs. Melton. “ Of 
course you are to go, child. Go and dress at once, 
that is if you have finished your breakfast. Don’t 
keep her out too long, Charlie, for I want her to be 
at home in time to get well acquainted with Frank 
before dinner.” 

“ I have no intention of freezing her, I assure you, 
and if I keep her out that long she would be a mere 
icicle,” returned Coranna merrily. 

“ Aren’t you going too, Mrs. Melton?” 

“ Oh no, dear, there is never room for three in a 
cutter. I am going to let Charlie have you all to 
himself and I warn you that he will talk your ears 
tired. Remember that you are to tell me every 
word that he says.” 

“ Oh, I will be sure to do that,” laughed Lutie, 
blushingly making her escape. 

“ Your ball was a great success, Clara, and as to 
your little friend she has taken all hearts by storm.” 

“ I’m glad to hear it. You see she is little more 
than a child and so absurdly happy I hope she may 
be as happy all her life.” 


COR ANNA. 


19 


“ So do I,” very earnestly. 

“ But it is not always the case that our lives are 
happy, even when they begin brightly, I mean ’ ’ — ancl 
she glanced toward the window with a sigh. Cor- 
anna’s face fell and he regarded her anxiously, feel- 
ing the sincerest interest in her welfare. “ Oh 
don’t be alarmed, Charlie, Frank is perfect when he 
is around ; but I don’t like having him away so 
much.” 

“ His business demands it.” 

“Oh, yes, everything must give away to busi- 
ness,” pettishly. 

“ That’s about the truth, Clara. You ladies don’t 
begin to understand. Neglect business and it will 
very soon neglect you.” 

Lutie’s entrance closed the discussion. Mrs. 
Melton regarded her anxiously. She was thinking 
of her dress. Coranna’s eyes were taking in her 
face. He liked the light of anticipated pleasure in it 
and wondered why so many ladies considered ex- 
pression a crime. 

“ Now you will have a chance to see Magnorum 
by daylight, Lutie.” 

“ If it proves as attractive as it was by gaslight I 
am sure I will have no reason to complain.” 

“ Daylight reveals things as they are, remember. 
Take good care of her, Charlie.” 

“ Most assuredly I will.” They were soon en- 
sconced in the sleigh with the horses at a brisk trot 
© 

and the bells merrily jingling. Coranna had his 


20 


CORANNA. 


hands full with his ponies at first and said little ; but 
he found time for a good many glances. Would 
she prove to be an interesting companion? There 
were so many pretty women. They could dance 
and that was all. He longed to converse and was 
impatient that his horses were so restive. At length 
they quieted a little and Coranna broke the silence 
gently with a remark about the snow, leading on 
skillfully to the streets, the architecture, the ball, 
the people, and finding answers possible, he disre- 
garded the usual limit and let the conversation 
range to many subjects. How charming to find him- 
self matched in wit if not in wisdom ! Forgetting 
his horses for an instant they came very near being 
turned over in the snow ; then he felt foolish and 
braced himself against a recurrence of anything so 
idiotic. Neither could have told what was making 
their drive so exquisitely enjoyable. It was broad 
daylight and everything looked prosaic enough. 
Neither was conscious of the fact that they were 
beginning to quaff that elixir which had proved to 
many so delicious and then again — so fatal. 


In the meantime Mr. Melton had arrived, but his 
usually joyous welcome had been marred. His 
wife had a grievance and for the first time in their 
married life had stated it. “ Frank, I do so hate 


COR ANNA. 


21 


having you away all the time; I wish you would stop 
traveling and stay home.” 

“ That’s what I am going to do, by and bye, Clara ; 
but I can’t just now; I am goingto see that you are 
a rich woman first.” 

44 Yes — but when?’ 

44 Oh, in the course of time.” 

44 But the time never seems to come, Frank. 
Why don’t you change and come and do business 
here in Magnorum. Anybody who can make money 
anywhere can make it in Magnorum. Papa always 
said so.” 

44 If you recollect, Clara, your father made all his 
money in the South. If you have any money to 
spend you can always get away with it here in Mag- 
norum,” he responded in a mimicking tone. 

44 I’m lonely here all by myself.” 

44 All by yourself with a houseful of guests ! Why 
the descriptions of your entertainments would fill a 
volume a year ! You don’t know what a delight I 
take in reading them, Clara. You are a regular 
little sovereign, in a social way. To talk of being 
lonely, how preposterous !” 

44 If you love me, you would understand.” 

44 If — Merciful Heaven, what are we coming to ! 
You are the only person I ever did love. You are 
the only woman I ever would have married. I never 
could stand the ordinary woman,” turningup his nose. 

Mrs. Melton laughed. 44 What made you always 
dislike women so; Frank?” 


22 


COR ANNA. 


“ They haven't any sense, somehow.” 

“ I thought you had got over that entirely.” 

“ Oh, I treat them all civilly on your account. I 
don't really like them.” 

“ But I don't need so much money, Frank; I will 
economize.” 

“ Don't, Clara, please don’t. I hate economy 
and you know lots about it, don’t you ? Your whole 
family practiced it on the old plantation. You 
don't know what it is to be poor, Clara. I was poor 
once and I hated it. If I were poor again I’d swear, 
I declare I would. And so would you, Clara.” 

“ Speak for yourself, Frank. The idea of any- 
thing ever making me swear !” protested Mrs. Mel- 
ton. 

“ Outside of the satisfaction of knowing that my 
business is going on well, I don’t enjoy my trips 
much, Clara. The people you meet are all ladies 
and gentlemen, at least to a certain extent ; but I 
come in contact with all sorts of persons and things, 
rough, coarse, vulgar. They jar on my nerves 
terribly at times and you would never be able to 
stand it at all. But matters are in such a state that 
I will have to travel for some time to come and then 
I will be able to come here to Magnorum and hold 
my own.” 

“ Frank, I don’t believe much in that way of do- 
ing, I had rather that you would arrange your affairs 
even at a loss and stay at home.” 

“If I should attempt anything of the sort at 


CORANNA. 


23 


present, Clara, I fear the result. There is no telling 
where we would wind up.” 

“ I should he satisfied in any case.” 

“ You only think so, Clara. You don’t under- 
stand business and you had best let me manage mine 
in my own way. After all the disagreeables I 
encounter, this home of ours is a little Paradise to 
me and I am in it every minute that I can be, I as- 
sure you; but to-day you have worried me — don’t 
ever mention this subject again, please.” And Mrs. 
Melton never did. 

Upon returning from her drive Lutie was delighted 
to hear of the arrival of Mr. Melton and felt a lit- 
tle curious to see him, having heard a great deal of 
“Frank.” She found him a gentlemanly fellow, 
with a very quiet manner, faultlessly inexpressive. 

“ What do we do this evening, dearest?” he in- 
quired at dinner. 

“We are going to the opera first. I want to hear 
the ‘ Bijou Song.’ ” 

“ What a fascination that song has for you, Clara. 
I don’t fancy it a great deal myself. Any sensible 
woman would have made the same choice. Don’t 
you think so, Miss Lutie?” 

“ I thought the denouement proved that she chose 
very unwisely,” declared Lutie, who was not to be 
caught napping. 

“After that we go to Mrs. Colter’s reception. 
Are you very tired, Frank?” 

“ Not too tired. Does Coranna accompany you ?” 


24 


CORANNA. 


“ No, but we will meet him at Mrs. Colter’s. 
Henri was to have been with us, but he has been 
called from town by the death of a relative, his 
uncle, I believe it is.” 

“ Ah, that’s too bad ; I am going myself.” 

They did not remain long at the opera, much to 
Lutie’s relief, for Faust had adepressing effect on her. 
At the reception they arrived late. A chill pervaded 
the atmosphere. The guests had drifted off into 
cliques, there was little conversation, and stagnation 
seemed inevitable. The entrance of Mrs. Melton 
and her party was hailed as a relief. Lutie’s sleigh 
ride had acted as a tonic. Her merriment was in- 
fectious. Gradually the atmosphere became per- 
meated with that indefinable something that causes 
a gathering to be afterwards alluded to as a brill- 
iant affair. Lutie had snatched victory from de- 
feat and quite won the heart of her good-natured 
hostess, who had been much distressed at the for- 
mer prospect and always mentioned Lutie thereafter 
in most flattering terms. Mrs. Melton now found 
the proper guidance of her young friend’s move- 
ments no easy task. Lutie was in demand on all 
sides. Her presence at any gathering seemed to 
guarantee its success. Mrs. Melton was pleased 
and a little anxious. Sometimes this had the effect of 
turning a girl’s head and then her actions became 
ridiculous. But alarm was impossible in Lutie’s 
case. She was so natural, easy, serene. Society is 
fickle. Would it fawn upon her to-day and drop her 


CORANXA. 


25 


to-morrow ? Corunna continued in close attendance. 
Other gentlemen would gladly have relieved him of 
all further responsibility, but he showed no dis- 
position to permit himself to be displaced. It is an 
enviable position to escort the favorite, even if she 
is merely pretty. But Lutie was more, she was in- 
tellectual. Her conversation won upon him. She 
was charming. Corunna was drifting. He was hap- 
py and he did not trouble himself to inquire into the 
why or wherefore. Lutie seemed content in his so- 
ciety and tacitly to prefer it to any other. Coranna 
took no cognizance of his rivals. She showed no 
partiality. He had done no love-making — their ac- 
quaintance had been so brief. „ Yet he felt as if he 
knew her better than any other woman because they 
had met so constantly. Things were well as they 
were. But drifting, however pleasant, is usually 
dangerous. Sooner or later there comes a shock, 
and Coranna was destined to receive one. 

It so happened that the Texel’s gave a ball. 
46 And we are invited, my dear,” as Mrs. Melton 
said. 44 You are in luck, Lutie. I wasinMagnorum 
five years before I was invited to aTexel ball. They 
say Mrs. Colter had her first invitation framed.” 

44 Oh, Mrs. Melton, you don’t mean to say any- 
body could be so — so — ” 

44 Idiotic — well, I will say Inever saw it myself, 
and a great many things are said that have not even 
a grain of truth for a foundation. However, when 
you go to a Texel ball you have reached the summit 


26 


CORANNA. 


in Magnorum. You will then have only royalty to 
conquer.” 

“I wonder if you will ever conquer royalty,” 
mused Lutie. 

“I don’t know. Frank and I went to Europe 
on our wedding: tour, but we didn’t think of 
conquering anything then,” with a sigh, “ except 
perhaps the landlords.” 

“I don’t think I shall ever go to Europe, ” re- 
marked Lutie. “ I am satisfied here, and I don’t like 
the ocean. What is there so remarkable about 
these Texels? ” 

“ Oh, everything, family, fortune, house, serv- 
ants. Nothing to be desired from any point of 
view. You must look to your dress, Lutie. I want 
you to choose some color in which you have not ap- 
peared.” 

“ It seems to me I have exhausted everything 
but pink, and I very seldom wear that.” 

“ It would be pretty hard for me to think of a color 
in which I had not yet appeared,” laughed Mrs. 
Melton. Lutie had begun to weary a little ere 
the much discussed affair took place and thought 
seriously of remaining at home ; but Mrs. Melton 
would not hear of this. “ Don’t you feel amply re- 
paid for exerting yourself a little? ” she inquired of 
Lutie as they wended their way through the rooms 
of the Texel mansion. 

“ Indeed I do. It reminds me of the House 
Beautiful or the Enchanted Castle, All that is 


CORANNA. 


27 


needed to complete the picture is the fairy 
prince.” 

“ Mr. Texel will have to pose for that, Lutie. 
Here he comes. I did not know that he was in 
town. He has appeared since our arrival.” The 
gentleman was soon at their side. He was on 
excellent terms with Mrs. Melton, and on being 
presented to Lutie almost immediately asked her 
to dance. Lutie wondered how anybody with a 
recognized right to live could have succeeded in ac- 
quiring a manner so thoroughly unassuming. A 
dance, an ice, and a brief chat. But even the fairest 
of ladies cannot monopolize the host and at length he 
reluctantly handed her over to the tender mercies of 
his friend Tromp. The waltz that followed ex- 
hausted Lutie and led her to believe that her 
partner’s millions must have settled in his feet. 
Tromp treated her to a fulsome dose of flattery, 
telling her ail her good points to her face, after 
a manner of description applicable to his favorite 
animal — the horse. Coranna caught sight of the 
distressed look on her face and sauntered up to the 
group in which they were standing. Getting within 
ear-shot he sang in a whisper that she alone could 
hear : 

“ Oh she looked sweet 

As the little flower that grows in the wheat, 

With her cheeks like a rose and her lips like a cherry, 

And sure and you’re welcome to Twickenham town.” 


28 


CORAN NA. 


Before she had a chance to turn he had vanished. 
Tromp, seeing the radiant light on her face, con- 
gratulated himself on being so entertaining, and 
Texel coming up to claim another dance con- 
sidered it his welcome. As for Lutie, her heart 
fluttered. It was the first time Mr. Coranna had 
ever complimented her audibly. No one else had 
perceived the little episode, but to Lutie it was the 
event of the evening. 


Mrs. Melton decided to have a tea, a very inform- 
al affair, at which all of her acquaintances found 
themselves welcome. Mr. Melton was at home, but 
he did not consider his appearance necessary. He was 
busy in his study, but he left both doors open and 
the few men who strayed about at such times un- 
derstood that they were welcome to come in and 
have a chat. As a rule he was not disturbed much, 
but to-day Mrs. Melton found the whole character 
of her tea to be changing. At first the men drop- 
ped shyly in by twos and threes, then they came 
thicker and faster until they began to outnumber 
the fair sex. Mrs. Melton, the mischief, was de- 
lighted and rightly guessed the state of affairs. 
Each one of them thought he would sneak around 
and have Lutie all to himself for an afternoon and 
every man of them found that his friend’s mind had 


CORANNA. 


29 


taken the same turn. Mr. Melton was writing away 
peacefully, unconscious of anything unusual, when 
a rap at the side of his open door aroused his atten- 
tion. 

44 (Jot a moment to spa’ a man? Want to see 
you on pawticular bithiness.” 

44 Why, certainly, Tromp, come in, glad to see you 
at any time,” he called unceremoniously, swinging 
about in his chair. 

44 You’ve got a young lady vithiting at your 
houth?” 

44 You mean Miss Van Straat? ” 

44 Jutht tho, hath the got any money th? ” 

44 None to speak of,” answered Melton. 

44 Ah, thath too ba-a-d. Every woman ought to 
have thome moneyth. Well I’ll mar’ her enhow. 
She seemth to be sthruck on me.” 

44 Ah, indeed,” responded Melton dryly. 

44 Pon honah it looksth like it. She seemth tick- 
led to death when I dance with her, by Jove. 
Doeth the belong to any kind of a family? ” 

“ Very good family, I understand. Her relatives 
are almost all dead, however.” 

44 So much the better. Ma and the girlth will 
raith the dickenth, I thppose, but I don’ care. I’ll 
buy her another houth and give her money enough 
to dwive ’em crazthy.” 

Tromp ’s calm assurance nettled Melton and he 
longed to give him an answer that would make his 

n o 

head swim. But it was very little of his affair, after 


30 


CORAKXA. 


all, he reasoned. He hardly thought that Lutie 
would fancy Tromp,but a lady might not thank him 
for rejecting a suitor without consulting her, espe- 
cially when that suitor happened to be a millionaire. 

“ We’ll consider it settled then,” said Tromp. 

“ Certainly, as far as I am concerned,” began 
Melton ; “ but the girl ? ” 

“ Oh, the’s all right, I’ll take care of her,” drawl- 
ed Tromp as he disappeared with a look that show- 
ed wonders possible. Melton puckered up his 
mouth and elevated his eyebrows. He had scarcely 
settled back to his work when a new comer appear- 
ed. It was none other than young Mortar, the only 
scion of an old historic family whose coffers had run 
low. Mortar was now a studeut at Yale and be- 
cause of a certain fine color in his cheeks and a 
unique sweetness of manner was generally known 
by the endearing name of Pinkie. 

“ I say, Mr. Melton,” he cried, standing at the 
threshold with a distressed look on his face. 

“Well, is that you, Pinkie? Glad to see you. 
Don’t stand there. Come in and take a seat.” 

Mortar sat down and blushed steadily for some 
moments, never raising his eyes from the carpet. “ I 
say Mr. Melton,” he began again. 

“Well, what is it?” repeated Mr. Melton emphat- 
ically. 

“ I say, Mr. Melton, I’m gone on Miss Lutie Van 
Straat, I am awfully, I want to marry her. If I 
can’t I don’t know what I shall do.” 


CORANNA. 


31 


The effect of this announcement was to send Mr. 
Melton into peals of laughter. He stood up and 
grabbing Pinkie in his arms gave him a genuine 
hug and then shook him until his teeth chattered. 
“ What on earth has got into you, Pinkie ; I thought 
you had some sense and were wading into your 
studies at a rate that would soon send you to the 
top of the heap. What do you want to get tied to 
a wife for? Where could you keep her while you 
went to college? Could you make her a separate 
allowance? ” 

“ Going to college isn’t everything, and money 
isn’t everything, either,” protested Pinkie, “ plenty 
of men have been married at eighteen and they got 
to be great men afterwards and they were very hap- 
py and — ” 

“ No, it wouldn’t do at all, Pinkie. A man has to 
have a good start in the world before he can think 
of marriage,” with a great attempt at gravity. “ If 
he has a large fortune he has to stand the chance of 
losing it and must know how to support a family in 
any case. To be left without a penny with a wife ! 
I tell you, Pinkie, it’s no fun.” 

“ I’ll see what Miss Van Straat has to say about 
it herself,” declared the irrepressible Pinkie, rising 
with great dignity. 

Mr. Melton hastily summoned a servant. “ Mr. 
Mortar’s hat and coat, he has been suddenly taken 
ill,” and before the amazed youth had time to col- 
lect his wits, Melton and helped him into his coat 


32 


CORANNA. 


and dismissed the servant. 66 You had better step 
out the window here, Pinkie. It is low enough and 
you won’t run the riskof meeting any one you know. 
You look rather excited.” Exit Pinkie. And he 
bribed every servant in his house in turn to carry 
his glowing words of devotion to the object thereof 
But Melton was on the watch, bought them at a 
higher figure, consigned them to the still more 
glowing bosom of the grate-fire and kept a sharp 
lookout until that heart-broken hero had returned 
to Yale. There was real danger in that case, for a 
more attractive youth than Pinkie could scarce be 
found. 

Ere Melton had time to reseat himself a gentle- 
man sauntered up to the door and he perceived that 
he was to have a third visitor. Texel entered and 
after a few preliminary remarks, Melton offered him 
a cigar and they settled down to a smoke. 

“ I am not much in the habit of taking tea; but 
that little girl you have staying with you handed 
me a cup to-day and I swallowed it red hot without 
thinking until it was down. I thought then. She 
is a most uncommonly beautiful girl.” 

“ I think so myself, and Mrs. Melton is quite 
wrapt up in her.” 

“ Is there any objection to have the doors 
closed?” inquired Texel. 

“None whatever,” returned Melton, wondering 
what state secret Texel had to impart. 

“ I am very much interested in this young lady,” 


COR ANNA. 


33 


he began slowly, feeling his way. “Van Straat, — the 
name seems familiar, and yet I can’ t place the family. ’ ’ 

44 Probably not. They have not resided in the 
city during this century, though they came here in 
the seventeen hundreds. The girl is poor. Her 
father was a minister.” 

44 She has exquisite manners and perfect taste.” 

46 And she is a rare conversationalist,” put in Mr. 
Melton. 

44 There is always such a crowd about her that I 
have been scarcely been able to judge. I should 
like an opportunity of seeing her alone once in a 
while.” 

“I — I hardly believe I understand you. The 
girl is very young, you know, and I ah — feel quite 
responsible. In your case you know any attention 
would cause so much comment I can’t have the lit- 
tle girl’s chances spoiled,” with a laugh. 

44 I should like to know her a little better before 
I speak of marriage.” 

44 I did not think you were a marrying man.” 

44 I want to marry this girl if I can win her affec- 
tion.” 

44 You won’t get her if you can’t.” 

“ Is she that kind of a girl?” 

44 Just so.” 

44 That’s nice.” 

44 Yes, the girl is innocent. She has no idea of 
the value of money ; but of course we don’t intend 
to let everybody and anybody come to see her. 

3 


34 


CORANNA. 


“ Of course not.” 

“As for myself, I don’t see what more a man 
would want in a wife unless he was looking for 
rank or money.” 

“Rank be bothered; I don’t have to look for 
money If I haven’t got enough of that commod- 
ity I don’t know who has! There is just one 
thing that bothers me. Women will marry for 
money. I don’t blame them ; they can very sel- 
dom get it in any other way. I want to make a 
sure thing, of not being married for mine, if I can. 

“ I don’t blame you,” returned Melton a little 
wearily, and with that they closed the discussion. 

Texel departed and Melton rose and yawned. 
“ What on earth does a man do when he has a lot 
of daughters to marry? It would naturally wear 
me out.” 

“ Well, Frank, have you been disturbed much to- 
day?” asked Mrs. Melton, entering when all her 
guests had departed. 

“ It was not altogether a disturbance, Clara. I 
like society well enough when I don’t have to take 
the brunt ofthings. I have heard a good deal of one 
subject to-day. The boys are all getting badly broken 
up on your little friend. If she wants to marry it 
looks as if she were going to have plenty of suitors. 
Do you think she wants to marry?” 

“ Why, of course she does,” answered Mrs. Mel- 
ton hastily. “ What do you suppose she wants to 
do? Be an old maid?” 


CORANNA. 


35 


“ You can’t tell what she wants to do by looking 
at her, by any means.” 

“Lutie is as impenetrable as a sphinx. Her 
only aim in life seems to be to enjoy and to help 
others to enjoyment. How did you come to speak 
of this, Frank?” 

“ The men have been asking about her. There’s 
Tromp, worth a cool million at least, and thinks he 
has only to throw the handkerchief.” 

“ He don’t know Lutie,” murmured Mrs. Melton 
softly. 

“ And Texel.” 

“ He doesn’t want to marry her !” 

“ Well, he wanted to come and see her at first 
and I let him understand that I wouldn’t have any 
meaningless hanging around — ” 

“Frank!” 

“Well, I’m blunt ; always have been ; what’s the 
use of letting a man like him show her any attention 
and have it buzzed all over the city, if he don’t in- 
tend marriage? He came square up to the point 
then. I was amazed at his taking me into confi- 
dence. He is usually so close, but he seemed to 
find it impossible to make any headway without 
informing us.” 

“ Trust me for that,” returned Mrs. Melton. “ I 
am delighted on Lutie’s account. Who would 
have dreamt it? More than a million, in his case, I 
am sure.” 

“ I should think so. But he can’t make any- 


36 


CORANNA. 


thing out of the girl, either. You see he has only 
had a few glimpses of her really, hut she takes his 
fancy and if everything goes well — the die is 
cast.” 

“ What will his mother have to say to all this?” 

“ I don’t think she will object. You see he has 
beat about the bush so long that the old lady is get- 
ting afraid that he will never be induced to marry at 
all. I believe she will favor the match. ” 


Mrs. Melton had scarcely opened her eyes the 
next morning when she was informed by her maid 
that a gentleman wished to see her. “ At this un^ 
earthly hour ? Why, where does the man come from ? 
Did he give you his name? What does he look 
like?” she demanded all in a breath. 

“ A very big man, madam, very fat, with a very 
long coat, and a big scarf around his neck.” 

Mrs. Melton laughed merrily, and her curiosity 
accelerated her toilet. On descending she found a 
man who answered well to her maid’s description. 
He rose as she entered, and Mrs. Melton greeted 
him pleasantly, wondering what he might want. 

“ Yat haf you done mit mine neeze? ” he quer- 
ied. 

“ I hardly believe I understand you,” faltered 
Mrs. Melton. 


CORANNA. 


37 


“ Mine neeze Loodie, Loodie Van Stra-a-t. She 
write to me if she can come and zee you and I taught 
she bin here.” 

“ Oh, Lutie, you mean, Lutie Van Straat,” said 
Mrs. Melton, perceiving that the man was merely 
awkward and meant no discourtesy. 

“ Yes, I bin her onkle.” 

“ Her uncle and her guardian, too, are you not? 
I am very glad to meet you,” graciously . “ Lutie is 
with me, and I believe she has been enjoying her- 
self. We all find her charming.” 

“ Yez, dot Loodie vos some purty. I bin ver 
partikler mit Loodie. She tell me ver she go; I 
don know you aber; I wride mine lawyer and he 
say you bin very good vomans, vay up. I was 
very partikler mit Loodie. Her fader vas deat — a 
very good man he vas, very, but he makes very 
leedle money. Ver you got dot girl, I likes to see 
her a leedle.” 

“Certainly, you can see her at once — that is, pres- 
ently,” she corrected, recollecting that her young 
friend was probably fast asleep. She then sent or- 
ders for Lutie to join her as soon as possible. 
“Won’t you be able to stay with us for awhile 
yourself, Mr. Van Straat?” 

“ Many tanks; no, I haf much pizness vile I bin 
here. Don’t you tink dot girl vas long coming? ” 

“ It has been but a few moments since I sent for 
her,” returned Mrs. Melton. 

Mr. Van Straat continued to be very uneasy. 


38 


COR ANN A. 


“ Ven she dond come I dond meet dot man vot I 
I say I meet in half an hour and he vas a long 
vay from here, too. Vot you tink keep dot 
Loodie?” 

“ I’m not quite sure she was awake when I sent 
for her,” confessed Mrs. Melton, feeling a little 
pressed. Just then Lutie entered, trying to repress 
a gap and looking deliciously pretty. 

“ Veil, you leedle shleepy heat is dot vot you do 
in Magnorum?” giving her a genuine bear’s hug. 
“ Veil vat you tink,” he began, without giving her a 
chance to speak. “ I py vun big lot of veat for 
very leedle, and I sell him for very much ; I do dot 
vun, two, tree times, I make much money from dot, 
you know. Mein son ben an artist py de old 
coundry.” 

“ That’s so, uncle, I had almost forgotten him.” 

“ Veil, it vas no uze, I go der ven I bin poor 
aber I make plenty money dere in Chicago und now 
it bin uze und I go to dot coundry und I bin some, 
und I take you mit. Mein son haf vun great 
friend. She bin ein baroness and she marry you 
on ein tidle.” 

“ But really, uncle, I don’t think I should care to 
go to Holland, I — I — ” 

“ Yes, but you vas vun leedle girl; ver you stay 
here? You must comen mit me. In tree veeks I 
take yon mit. Good py, I vill call again,” and 
without further ado, he marched off. 

“Oh, what will I do? ” cried Lutie to Mrs. Mel- 


coranna. 


39 


ton. “ I don’t want to live in Holland ; I should be 
homesick every minute, I know I should.” 

“ Well, he can’t force you to go to Holland, 
Lutie.” 

“ I don’t know. You see I have always been at 
school, and in vacation I stayed with Mrs. Kent, who 
used to be papa’s housekeeper, and she said I 
could always have a home with her. But I don’t 
want to offend my uncle, although he is only a dis- 
tant relative — really. He belongs to that branch 
of the family that stayed in Holland. You see he’s 
my guardian and was very kind when papa died, 
and he’s just wonderful at business; I didn’t expect 
to have a cent, but he managed to get something 
for me somehow. I wouldn’t hurt his feelings for 
the world.” 

“Well, don’t get excited dear, I’ll go and see 
Frank about it. He’ll find some way out of 
it,” and she started in search of her husband with 
her mind brimful of the news. “ Frank, do wake 
up and get your wits about you ; Lutie’ s uncle has 
come and he wants to take her off to Europe ; just 
as we were beginning to have a nice time, too.” 

“ Clara, do give a man some peace. I thought 
the house was on fire.” 

“ 1 am so provoked, it will interfere with all my 
plans.” 

“ Naturally. Who does this young lady’s uncle 
happen to be?” 

“Van Straat. He comes from Chicago. Guess 


40 


CORANNA. 


what? He sent on to his lawyer and asked if I 
were a fit person for his niece to associate with, 
and then told me about it right to my face — oo — 
the dreadful creature!” and she gave a little 
scream. 

“Did he, though?” laughed Melton. “Van 
Straat, of Chicago. First-class old fellow. Solid 
for cash.” 

“ But I don’t want Lutie to go; I never had a 
friend I liked so much.” 

“ Don’t bother your head about it, Clara; let me 
think awhile.” 

Mrs. Melton bit her tongue and managed to keep 
silence, eyeing her husband meanwhile. “ Have 
you thought of anything? ” she inquired at length. 

“ Yes, but don’t ask me any questions, Clara ; I 
have an idea that matters can be brought about all 
right,” and he smiled so radiantly that Mrs. Melton 
felt encouraged. 


Mrs. Melton took the matter of Lutie’ s departure 
to heart, much to the amusement of her husband, 
who had little faith in women’s friendships. They 
had planned a visit to a studio, but she insisted on 
remaining at home, although Lutie was compelled to 
keep the engagement. Coranna called in the mean- 
time. “Won’t we miss Lutie when she is gone ” 
she demanded, barely taking time to greet him. 


CORANNA. 


41 


“ Gone ! gone where?’’ gasped Coranna. 

“ Why, I had forgotten to tell you and I have had 
nothing else on my mind all day. Lutie’s uncle 
has come from Chicago and he is going to take her 
to Europe.” 

“When?” recovering himself somewhat. 

“ In three weeks.” 

Coranna paid little heed to the rest of the con- 
versation, but he hoped, upon taking his departure, 
that he had not made a fool of himself. Three 
weeks ! His head swam. Only three weeks and 
she would be gone, out of his life, perhaps forever. 
What did this mean? A loss of all the sunshine, 
all the light of life. Why, he had fallen in love with 
the girl all unperceived? Now he became conscious 
of the reality of love. Her staying meant joy and 
her going — the idea was intolerable. But she 
should not go, he mightily resolved. How he had 
wasted his opportunity since her arrival? Why 
had he not made better use of his time? Coranna 
had not permitted a word of love to cross his lips. 
She was so young and he knew that he had been 
placed at once on a familiar footing owing to his 
reputation as a chevalier sans reproche. Now he 
scarcely knew how to begin. He had always im- 
agined, if he ever did take a notion to marry, a de- 
licious season of wooing with exquisite gradations. 
Precipitation was not according to his taste. He 
wandered about the streets for some time wrapt in 
thought, unconscious of his surroundings. There 


42 


COR ANNA. 


had been few crises in his life, but he felt now that 
one was approaching. Fortune had hitherto ca- 
ressed him, but we all know she is a fickle dame. 
Did Lutie love him? Hardly as yet. Then 
he must win her and that was what he resolved 
to do. 

Mrs. Melton laughed when he made his appear- 
ance the next evening. “ Actually, Charlie, you 
look blue, something I never observed before. 
Frank and I are going out. You had better go in 
and have a chat with Lutie; she owns herself tired 
for once and I promised to let her rest. You will 
find her in the library. ” 

Coranna proceeded and entered into her presence 
unannounced. She had drawn a sofa to the fireside 
and was sitting at ease in the corner. “ Mrs. Mel- 
ton told me I should find you here,” he began apolo- 
getically. She arose to receive him without sur- 
prise and then sank back gracefully into her former 
position. 

“ Mrs. Melton has allowed most of the servants 
to go out to-night. They have a ball or something, 
I believe.” 

Coranna took a seat in an arm-chair opposite. 
They conversed pleasantly for a while then he rose 
and crossed over and stood near her. “ You will let 
me sit here beside you, will you not.” She bowed 
assent, with a slightly heightened color. Coming 
closer be took her hand, held it an instant, and 
bent and kissed it. Lutie looked startled and made 


CORANNA. 


43 


a quick movement to withdraw it. “ Do you dis- 
like me? ” With a reproachful glance. 

“Dislike you, no, indeed, Mr. Coranna; how — 
how could I — ” a fine flush overspreading her face. 

“ I came here this evening to tell you that I love 
you. Don’t — don’t go away. You must stay and 
hear me at least.” Lutie had risen and was stand- 
ing white and trembling at his side. In a moment 
she reseated herself with eyes cast down and face 
immovable. “ I know it is but a short time since 
we met, but we have been together so much it seems 
as if we had known each other always, does it not? ” 

“Yes,” she answered simply. 

“ I never knew that there was anything real 
about love until I met you,” he continued eagerly. 
“ I know now that the moment I caught sight of 
your face, I loved you. There, I have startled you,” 
he continued soothingly, “ won’t you listen to me, 
won’t you let me kiss you.” 

“ Oh, no,” cried Lutie, springing up, “ I have 
never let any gentleman kiss me, indeed I haven’t.” 

“ Well, I’m glad you haven’t,” laughed Coranna, 
“ but you’ll have to begin some time and this is a 
very good time now — with me.” 

“You are jesting,” said Lutie with quick dis- 
pleasure. 

“ Jesting !” groaned Coranna, “ if you could onty 
know what anxiety I have suffered during the last 
twenty-four hours you would pity me. Here I 
thought you were going to stay in New York ever 


44 


CORANNA. 


so long and now I hear you are going to Europe, 
and my whole heart is set upon having you for my 
wife. I intended to court you in the regular fash- 
ion, Lutie, but,” pathetically, “ there isn’t time.” 

Lutie kept turning pale and red by turns during 
this speech and finally laughed. “ Tell me that 
you can learn to love me, Lutie. I don’t know what 
I shall do if you send me away. You must love 
me — you must — say that you will. Say that you 
will be my wife.” 

“ Do you really care for me so much? You have 
known me such a little while,” murmured Lutie, 
trembling more and more. 

“ Lutie, you can tell me now if you love me or 
whether you ever will love me, don’t you know that 
you can?” Lutie continued silent. Coranna paced 
the room several times and then came and stood by 
her side and looked sharply at her face. She gave 
no sign. He was now very much excited and in 
terrible suspense. “Please say something. This 
silence is so cruel. Let me know how you feel 
about it. Don’t be so frightened, child. It is not 
a crime to love.” 

“ What shall I say,” said Lutie, rising and letting 
him fold her in his arms. 

“ Say nothing. This is all the reply I will ever 
ask. To make you happy will be the first object 
of my life. Heaven has granted me my dearest 
wish, my darling, mine, mine, mine forever. 


CORANNA. 


45 


Lutie lost no time in informing Mrs. Melton of 
her engagement to Coranna, who in turn told her 
husband. “Honestly, Clara, I am astonished. I 
had no idea she would marry the first man who pro- 
posed to her and on so short an acquaintance ! Do 
you think she can care for him? ” 

“ Of course she does,” responded Mrs. Melton, 
“why should she marry him else?” 

“ There is no earthly reason why she should throw 
herself away on Coranna with Texel in view. But 
then she doesn’t know about him ; I had quite for- 
gotten that. I will make it my business to inform 
her at once. Come along, Clara. Our little friend 
might as well make the best of herself.” 

They found Lutie dreamily watching the coals as 
they fell apart in the grate fire. The heat account- 
ed for the flush on her cheek, but hardly for the 
radiant light in her eyes. Melton motioned his 
wife to keep silence. “Miss Lutie,” he began, 
studying her face intently, “I have some news for 
you.” 

“For me, V cried Lutie looking up quickly, “what 
can it be ?” 

“ You have made a great conquest.” 

“Conquest,” repeated Lutie absently. History 
was her favorite study and the word first presented 
itself in the light of a terme militaire. 

“ One of the wealthiest gentlemen in our city, in 
Magnorum, you know, wants you to be his wife. 
Texel was talking to me about it and I can assure 


46 


COR ANNA. 


you that you are the first lady that ever had the 
chance of attaining that honor.” 

“ Mr. Texel, I atn so sorry,” returned Lutie gent- 
ly, “ but then it could never be, I could never care 
for Mr. Texel, I am sure.” 

“Why, my dear child, you are never going to fly 
in the face of fortune like that. It is positively 
sacrilegious. He counts by the million.” 

“Anyhow, it could never be,” returned Lutie, 
shading her face completely now, “ for I have 
promised to marry Mr. Coranna.” 

“ Coranna is a gentleman. I have nothing to say 
against him, and he’s not poor, either, unless you 
compare him with Texel, for instance. There are 
several others almost as rich as Tex., if you particu- 
larly object to him. I know men well and they are 
pretty much alike. Marry the richest, I say. 
Money is what you want here in Magnorum.” 

“ So that’s the way you look at things, ” flashed 
Mrs. Melton. 

“ Oh, it’s altogether different with women. 
There is a vast difference in them aud they are 
not supposed to have any money- I wouldn’t have 
a woman I didn’t love around if she were as rich as 
Croesus. ” 

This produced a general laugh, and Lutie 
clapped her hands. “ I have promised to marry Mr. 
Coranna, ” she repeated firmly. 

“ But what will your uncle say to this? ” 


CORANNA. 


47 


“Please don’t tell him anything about the others,’ ’ 
pleaded Lutie quickly, becoming agitated. 

“There, he shan’t, dear, ” interrupted Mrs. Mel- 
ton, stooping to give Lutie a kiss. “ Charlie is the 
noblest hearted fellow in the city and I am glad that 
you are to be his wife.” The atmosphere had now 
become so warm as to be uncomfortable for Lutie 
and she rose to retire. 

“ Now look here, Frank, ” declared Mrs. Melton, 
shaking her finger at her husband when she was 
well out of the room, “ I’m positively ashamed of the 
way you have grown to worship money. Now you 
are not going to plot with her uncle to bring about 
this Texel marriage.” 

“ Hopelessly in love with Coranna, ” laughed Mel- 
ton. “ I am sure it is no affair of mine, Clara. If she 
wants to be such a little fool I can’t help it and I 
don’t intend to try. Coranna won’t starve her to 
death, any way. I only wish I had the chance to 
marry Texel, that’s all. ” 

“ Why don’t we practice what we preach?” 
hummed Mrs. Melton. 

When Coranna called the next evening he sought 
Mr. Melton before asking for Luti e. “ Lutie and 
I are engaged, Frank ; has she told Mrs. Melton?” 

“ Yes ; allow me to congratulate. You have every 
reason to be flattered at her preference, ” returned 
Melton, not feeling at liberty to say more. 

“ I assure you that I am,” declared Coranna, 
“ and now I wish you would help me out a little, 


48 


COR ANNA. 


Melton ; I want you to introduce me to her uncle. 
He is her guardian, too, is he not? ” 

44 Yes, Van Straat, of Chicago, you will find him 
a hard nut to crack, too, I’m afraid.” 

44 Do you think he will object?” 

44 Don’t see why he should at all; but these old 
fellows are cranky. He is coming here to-night to 
see Lutie. Just stay here and I will have him shown 
in when he calls. Will that suit you? ” 

4 4 Exactly,” returned Coranna. 

They had not long to wait. Van Straat soon 
appeared and Coranna found it difficult to suppress 
his amazement at the sort of personage he proved 
to be. Melton rose to receive him with great eclat. 
44 Mr. Van Straat, my friend, Mr. Coranna. He 
wishes to see you on some very particular busi- 
ness, and I believe that in the meantime I will see 
what has become of Mrs. Melton.” 

As soon as he had left the room Coranna came 
directly to the point. 44 Mr. Van Straat, your niece 
has consented to be my wife.” 

44 Your vife ! Dot girl ! Veil, I never yet. Dot 
girl vas young. Vat she do dot for?” 

This was rather a problem for Coranna, who 
flushed hotly. 

44 How long you know dot girl ? ” 

44 Since she came to Magnorum.” 

44 Veil, dot vas mighty quick pizness. Veil, my 
cousin was a mighty goot man, but he make no 
moneys. Dot girl vas poor.” 


CORANNA. 


49 


“ I understood that the lady was not wealthy. I 
will have enough for both.” 

“ Vat is your pizness? ” 

“ I am a lawyer; I have an excellent partner and 
a pretty fair business ; but I don’t depend upon it. 
My father left me an hundred thousand and my 
mother has five times as much. I know of no 
reason why she should not leave it to me.” 

“Was you ever marrit pefore? ” 

Coranna permitted himself a laugh at this junc- 
ture. 

“ No, sir; this is my first attempt in that direc- 
tion.” 

“ Dot girl vas awful purty. I taught I take her 
mit und marry her mit ein title.” 

“Are you inclined to value a title? That is 
something none of us Americans have to be- 
stow.” 

“ Veil, you vas rich und mine neeze vas poor. It 
must be dot you means veil. Dot vas plain.” 

“ When I say that I am in love with her I have 
stated the whole of my side of the case,” with 
much feeling. 

“ Veil, I see Loodie, and if she bin sadisfied I 
got notings to say,” and he offered the young man 
his hand. Coranna did not think the pressure 
very hearty. He trusted Lutie, but he left feel- 
ing a little uncertain of her uncle. 

“ Vot you dinks vot dot Coranna,” inquired Van 
Straat upon Melton’s re-entrance. 

4 


50 


CORANNA. 


“ Coranna is one of the finest men in Mag- 
norum.” 

“You really tinks dot? ” 

“ I don’t think it. I know it.” 

“ I vish dot you say sometings differunt/’ 

“ Why?” 

“ I no likes dot marriage.” 

“ Why?” 

“ Yy? Dots vat makes me mat ; I don’t know 
vy.” 

Lutie now entered and Melton thought the two 
would come to a better understanding alone, so 
he departed with a “ Now you’re in for it, young 
lady,” into Lutie’s ear. 

“Yell, you vas a nice leedle girl to go and get 
vourself engagedt py a man and not tell me notings 
apout it.” 

“How could I tell you, uncle? I haven’t had 
time. You didn’t say where you would be ; I had 
to wait until you came around.” 

“ Oh dot vas de vay vash it? Now, vy you want 
to marry dot Coranna man ? I take you mit und 
you marry mit ein tidle. Yen you got no tidle, 
tidies vas no goot aber ven you got a tidle day vas 
first-class. For fife hundert year dose Yan Steiners 
life in dot town undeferpody like dose peoples. In 
America a man bin vunce rich, den poor. Yen you 
marry mit ein tidle dot family lasts longer. It vas 
nice ven Loodie vas always 6 my lady ’ with a bow. 
I was older dan you vas, leedle girl.” 


CORANNA. 


51 


“ But, uncle, you see I love Mr. Coranna.” 

“ Lofe ! vat is dot, Loodie? ” 

“Well, I don’t know exactly,” returned Lutie, 
with a merry little laugh and a bright blush, “ but 
it makes me very happy.” 

“ Ah, Loodie, you tinks dot you got to fall in lofe 
mit people before you got marrit to dem. Dot vas 
all shtuff. I vas the happiest marrit man vat efer 
lifed und dot vasde vay it corned apout. Mine mud- 
der says to me, ‘ Hans, you vas getting purty oldt. 
It vas time you got marrit. You go pv dem Shlec- 
ker girl.’ Dere vas seven von dem Shlecker girls. 
Dey vas goot girls. ‘ You gettin’ yourself marrit 
py dot shmallest Shlecker girl und den I vent 
py dem girls und ven I came pack I say, ‘ Mudder, 
I vas in lofe mit dot biggest girl von dem Shleckers.’ 
My 1 de vay dot voman’s schold. She sav, 4 Hans, 
you vun big fool, dot girl haf ein temper von der 
teufel. You gettin’ yourself marrit py dot shmall- 
est Shlecker girl. You hearin’ me,’ und I say 
‘Yes, mudder.’ So I got marrit py dot shmallest 
vun. Dot vas the shveetest voman’s vat efer lifed,” 
and two tears came into the old man’s eyes. 

“ I am so sorry, uncle,” murmured Lutie softly, 
laying her bright head against his sleeve. 

“ You tinks dot you vont be happy mid out dot 
Coranna?” anxiously. 

“Iam sure that I could never be happy without 
Mr. Coranna,” seriously. 

“ Yell, I got notings to say, Loodie, ven you vas 


52 


CORANNA. 


happy dot vas all right, aber ven dot Coranna vas 
mean you comen py me und — ” 

“ The idea of Mr. Coranna ever being mean, oh 
uncle !” How Lutie laughed at the bare suggestion ! 


It was now the height of the season, and Mrs. 
Melton determined to give a reception, compliment- 
ary to Miss Van Straat. “ There are people in 
Magnorum who have so much money that I can’t 
possibly outdo them, but I’m going to have it — ” 

“ So breathlessly exquisite that money will be no- 
where,” put in Mr. Melton. 

“Just so, ” assented his wife. Mrs. Melton was 
still. There was no jar in the household machinery, 
but the lady’s face wore a rapt expression at times. 
For once she was inclined to be fussy about Lutie’s 
toilet. “You see if you were a brunette or had 
any other complexion, one would be limited, but 
with the world to choose from it is always so much 
harder to choose.” 

But no matter how lengthy or weary the search, 
nothing can be found so exquisite as white, and 
Mrs. Melton finally conceded the fact. There was 
no denying that her guest had made a sensation and 
her friends were on the qui vive with interest. 
Lutie could not help noticing that her every 
movement was beginning to excite observation and 


CORANNA. 


53 


comment. Mr. Coranna called daily, but owing to 
the frequent demands upon their time it seemed as 
if they' saw very little of each other. Coranna 
had been a reserved friend, but he made an eager 
lover. Pressing his suit with ardor he ex- 
erted himself in every way to entirely capti- 
vate his betrothed. Mr. and Mrs. Melton 
were satisfied, and if Mr. Van Straat was not, 
he kept entire silence. Mrs. Melton made vast 
preparations for her forthcoming reception. The 
day at length arrived. Lutie was still sleeping 
soundly when a message came, informing her that 
her uncle’s plans had suddenly changed and he 
wished to see her at once. Descending, Lutie found 
him alone and very much agitated. He had re- 
ceived a cablegram informing him that his son had 
been accidentally hurt, and he had determined to 
leave America that very day. He had sent for Mr. 
Coranna, who soon arrived. Lutie must get ready 
to travel at once. 4 4 But it is not necessary that 
Lutie should go at all,” declared Mrs. Melton, 
“ She will only have to return. I will chaperon her 
until her marriage.” 

44 1 no leaf her mit dot engagement. I no like 
dose American engagement. Vun minute dey vas 
on, de next dey vas off. Ven she vas marrit den I 
leafs her. Mit nothing else,” sulkily declared Van 
Straat. 44 Ven she don get marrit to-day I take her 
mit.” 


54 


CORANNA. 


“ But it will hurry her so,” remarked Mrs. Mel- 
ton while Lutie shrank like a sensitive plant. 

“ Nobody don got to marry dot girl,” declared 
the irascible old man, “ I take her mit.” 

“ The marriage cannot take place too soon to 
suit me,” flashed Coranna, who had borne a good 
deal with patience. 

“ Oh no, no, no, not so soon,” murmured Lutie, 
excitedly. 

Coranna crossed and stood near her, “ Please 
consent to an immediate marriage, Lutie. It can 
be arranged to take place in a few hours. I would 
accompany you to Europe, but my mother could not 
stand the trip, and I am afraid to leave her, and 
Henri is gone too.” 

“ Now you will all please go away for a few min- 
utes,” requested Mrs. Melton, for Lutie seemed be- 
wildered. 

“Oh, what shall I do, Mrs. Melton ; I don’t like to 
marry any one in such a hurry. I want a little 
more time. Do you think a gentleman can respect 
a lady who marries him so? ” 

“ Now, Lutie, if it were any one else I should 
say, most emphatically, make him wait, but as long 
as it is Charlie Coranna, I will say that any lady 
could safely marry him at any time, and I advise 
you to marry him to-day and stay in Magnorum. 
You love him, and when lovers are once separated 
they sometimes never meet again.” 


CORANNA. 


55 


“ That thought, oh, it is intolerable,” repeated 
Lutie earnestly. 

Mrs. Melton opened the door. “You may come 
now, Charlie,” she called. Coranna came quickly, 
and Mrs. Melton withdrew. He was thrilled at 
thought of the immediate realization of his hopes, 
but Lutie* s pallor affected him strangely. In an 
instant he was at her side. “ Don’t tremble so, lit- 
tle darling. Only be my wife to-day, and I 
promise you will never have cause to regret it. We 
can never be parted, Lutie. Darling, you could 
never be so cruel.” 

Mr. Van Straat now entered the room. “ Loodie, 
mein chilt, come mit your onkle. Yot you know 
von dot Coranna ? Dere vas plenty more mans, 
come mit me.” 

“ But I love Mr. Coranna, uncle.” 

“ Den you will stay mit him? ” 

Lutie looked longingly at her uncle. Then she 
went up and put her arms around his neck and 
kissed him. “You have been very kind to me 
uncle, but — ” 

“ Lutie ! ” 

She turned and went straight to Coranna. “ Oh 
dot vas de vay, vas it, veil I got notings to say. 
Dot marriage must come off in vun hour.” 

“You will come with me, Mr. Van Straat. We 
shall be back in just sixty minutes,” Coranna 
called to Mrs. Melton with a laugh. He bent over 
Lutie a moment, but nobody heard what he said. 


56 


COR ANN A. 


The next he had taken Van Straat’ s arm and the 
two left hastily. 

“ Lutie, you have just an hour to get into that 
white dress,’ ’ Mrs. Melton reminded her. To 
Lutie it seemed like a dream. She stood quietly 
while they dressed her. How the moments sped ! 
The gentlemen seemed scarcely to have had time to 
quit the house ere they were heard returning. Mr. 
Melton came up to get Lutie. Old Yan Straat was 
completely overcome and could do nothing but 
stand with folded arms and bowed head. Lutie 
trembled more and more at every step she took to- 
ward the drawing-room. It was all that Melton 
could do to sustain her. In spite of his rush of 
joy Coranna winced. He felt that such haste was 
cruel. But after the brief ceremony constraint 
vanished. Mrs. Melton and Mr. Coranna’s mother 
were equal to any emergency, and the hastily pro- 
vided lunch proved quite enjoyable. Mr. Yan 
Straat was obliged to depart almost immediately 
and Mrs. Melton could scarcely conceal her anxiety 
with regard to Lutie’ s toilet when she received his 
final caresses. 

“ What becomes of your reception to-night, 
Clara?” inquired Melton, “ Miss Yan Straat is no 
more.” 

“Now, Charlie Coranna, you needn't think you 
are going to cheat me out of Lutie this evening. I 
have invited the folks to meet her and meet her 
they shall.” 


CORANNA. 


57 


“Oh, I could never stand it,” gasped Lutie. 

“ Now, you really must stay. We won’t say one 
word about the marriage. That will keep until to- 
morrow.” 

4 4 1 think that will be the best plan,” remarked 
the elder Mrs. Coranna. “ It would never do to 
disappoint Mrs. Melton’s guests. “ You can leave 
on an early train.” 

“Where do you go, Coranna?” inquired Melton. 

“ To the old home on the lake. I have tele- 
graphed already.” 

The evening wore on, and the ladies had merely 
a brief interval for rest ere the arrival of the guests. 
Lutie was tremulous with excitement. Her eyes 
shone, the color fluttered in her cheeks. The re- 
ception proved most brilliant. Radiantly she filled 
the senses and reigned in ev^ery heart and mind. 
To place her more at ease Coranna absented him- 
self almost wholly. Estelle Leguay was present, 
ever fascinating, to-night, happy. She envied 
Lutie no triumph. Coranna did not linger at her 
side. Her brother Henry had arrived from the 
country and entered late. Mrs. Melton had insisted 
on their remaining after the departure of the other 
guests. When the last adieus had been spoken 
Mrs. Melton took Lutie’s hand and then Coranna’s 
and brought them forward. “You see I couldn’t 
let you go home to-night without knowing what all 
Maofnorum must hear to-morrow. Our friend, 
Lutie, is Mrs. Coranna and this bachelor is a Bene- 


58 


CORANNA. 


diet. Is not it the best joke of the season? ” No- 
body paid particular heed to Leeway’s expression 
or Estelle’s pallor. It was all passed over 
in the laugh that followed. Estelle kissed Lutie, 
while Leguay hastened to congratulate his partner. 
“ You see you just got back in the nick of time, 
Henri ; I won’t have to worry about business so 
much now,” remarked Coranna carelessly. 

Mrs. Melton was all unconscious of what her 
friends experienced, while Lutie retired to don her 
traveling dress. But they stayed bravely through 
the farewell speeches. At length the carriage door 
closed and the moon-light shone so clear that as 
they turned the corner, Leguay caught a glimpse of 
a bright head pillowed on a bosom that was to be 
its resting place through time. 

On the way home Estelle held tightly to her 
brother, while he cursed at intervals like one bereft 
of reason. Leguay had pictured himself playing 
for the highest stakes in life with a full hand and 
the game was closed ! “ Fool that I was to think 

myself smart while my devoted partner got me out 
of town and had things his own way. But this 
don’t end matters. He has got her. Let him keep 
her if he can.” 

“ Are you going to quarrel with Coranna? ” 

“No, I am going to be his bosom friend, of 
course.” 

“ Ugh, how I hate her,” sneered Estelle. And 
Lutie, all unconscious of evil was speeding toward 


CORANNA. 


59 


that cosy country villa filled with warmth, and light, 
and fragrance in honor of a bonny bride. 


Mr. Melton had been at home for some weeks 
when he began to receive a startling number of 
telegrams. Mrs. Melton had observed but knew 
better than to inquire. However, a blunt question 
is not the only means of attaining information. “I 
have missed Lutie so much and if it hadn’t been for 
having you with me I should have been really lone- 
some. I did not know that you would have been 
at home for this length of time, Frank. It is quite 
unprecedented.” 

44 I am in no hurry,” returned Melton with that 
indefinable expression in his eyes, which was the 
nearest approach to a show of emotion that he ever 
permitted himself. Truth to tell, something in his 
wife’s reception of him had hurt him. He couldn’t 
place it, but the wound rankled. 

44 I wonder when we shall have such another vis- 
itor as old Yan Straat. So irresistibly funny,” re- 
marked Mrs. Melton with a laugh. 

“ He managed to keep us all in hot water the 
little time he was about. Coranna certainly spoiled 
his pet scheme of taking his niece to Europe and 
marrying her 4 on a tidle.’ ” 

4 4 Tromp is in such a hurry to wed that he will 
scarcely give the girl time to get a dress made.” 


60 


CORANNA. 


“ Has he proposed to another already ?” 

“ Yes, to Miss Lawrence. She knows nothing of 
his penchant for Lutie.” 

“And never will. He was dreadfully miffed 
though. I never saw a man so angry, considering 
that he had nothing to be angry about. I sympa- 
thize with Tex. He will linger, perhaps not marry 
at all.” 

“And Pinkie — ” 

“He’ll grow.” 

They were at breakfast and Melton was thinking 
what a fortunate man he was and how exactly he 
was suited in his home. Every where his wife’s 
graceful taste was visible, in the appointments of 
the table, the arrangement of the furniture, the 
draping of the curtains, the placing of the flowers. 
There was something fairylike about it all. Clara 
was in high spirits and cheerfully telling her plans 
for the day. “ Lutie will be back this evening and 
Charlie’s mother is to give a grand reception; I am 
so glad that you will be able to go,” she chattered 
on. “ Another telegram for you, Frank. Here take 
it, I always had a superstitious horror of the 
things.” 

Mr. Melton read it and set his teeth for an in- 
stant, but his manner did not change. “ I shall 
have to leave at once, Clara,” very quietly. “ Where 
is my photograph?” 

She went to fetch it. “Here I am in a snow- 
storm. Anything for variety.” 


COR ANN A. 


61 


Melton always carried a photograph of his wife. 
He expected her to have them taken while he was 
gone so that he could have a fresh one when he re- 
turned. He went so far as to keep an album where 
this one charming woman figured in every variety 
of pose and costume. Bidding her good-bye right 
merrily he started off. 

“Clara will never know what that little stay cost 
me. I am just where I was three years ago. It’s a 
wonder I didn’t lose everything. That’s the last 
long visit I shall make to Magnorum until I retire.” 
And he adhered his resolution. 

Mrs. Charlie Coranna returned to finish a brilliant 
season. Her husband’s mother had set about fur- 
nishing a convenient house of her own and leaving 
© © 

Lutie to reign alone, but the latter would not hear 
of it. The Corannas had been in the habit of en- 
tertaining often and well and they continued to do 
so. Leguay and Estelle were still on friendly terms 
with all the Coranna household and were treated by 
them with much courtesy. But Mrs. Melton con- 
tinued to be Lutie’s intimate companion. The 
ladies might have been rivals had they not been 
such fast friends, but they shared honors without 
malice and were hand and glove, as the saying goes. 
Lutie found very little time for work, but she liked 
to embroider, and she was busy at this favorite task 
one morning when Mrs. Melton called to see her. 
A glance showed that that lady was in a petulant 
mood. Lutie received her in her private sitting 


62 


CORANNA. 


room, an apartment furnished precisely according 
to her own taste. It had been completed with what 
might have been termed a miniature garden in a bay 
window. But now, a pair of glass doors had super- 
seded the graceful drapery and these were closed. 
Mrs. Melton tried them and found them locked. 
“Why, what is this Lutie? What have you done 
with all your flowers?” 

Lutie laughed merrily and then blushed. “ Oh, 
that’s Charlie’s room now, you see he decided to 
stay in the law business and now he’s busier than 
ever and it seemed to me sometimes as if I hardly 
caught sight of him from one week’s end to another, 
so I told him I thought I’d] have to get a divorce.” 

“ A divorce ! Well, Lutie ! Of all things ! Imagine 
how Charlie must have looked ! ” 

“ Charlie opened his eyes very wide. He just 
said, ‘ Lutie, you are coming out? ’ Of course he 
knew I was only in fun ; but the next day he came 
back home with a big satchel and said if we would 
give him a convenient part of the house he could stay 
with me part of the time ; so I gave him my flower 
garden and he sits in there with all his books and 
papers and locks the door every time he goes out 
and he says if I touch one of them or let anybody 
clean up in there he’ll get a divorce ! ! ! Mother 
says she thinks I can manage a husband first rate if 
I am young.” 

Mrs. Melton’s laugh ended in a sigh. “ I don’t 
believe Frank would do as much for me,” she com- 


CORANNA. 


63 


mented rather bitterly, “ he is always away, I don’t 
see how he can care anything for me, I wonder why 
he ever married me.” 

“ Oh, Mrs. Melton, how dreadful, and how unjust, 
when you know that Frank just idolizes you.” 

“ You are a stout little champion, Lutie.” 

“ I never saw a man so thoroughly wrapped up 
in anybody. as Mr. Melton is in you.” 

“Almost always I feel sure of it, but then — 
come for a drive with me, Lutie.” 

“ You see when men are ambitious they have a 
great deal of work to do,” continued Lutie when 
they were seated in Mrs. Melton’s phaeton, “ and 
don’t you really think it is more manly than just 
dancing attendance upon us ladies?” 

“ You are a dear little friend, Lutie, and you 
know I would not talk so to any one else. But 
then you always have Charlie where you can see 
him.” 

“ Quite a refreshing sight, the back of his head 
I mean, when he is sitting at his desk like an autom- 
aton.” 

“ Do you know, Lutie, when I first met you at 
Barton I thought you had a lover, that you were 
engaged in fact. Who was that gentleman that 
accompanied you so constantly.” 

“A Mr. Jones it — I suppose you mean,” re- 
turned Lutie with some confusion 

“ Very good looking was he not? ” continued 
Mrs. Melton. 


64 


COR ANNA. 


“ Yes, I am sure any one would call him so,” re- 
sponded Lutie regaining her composure. 

“Now, really wasn’t he a little of a lover?” 
teased Mrs. Melton. “ Own up, Lutie. Its only 
me, you know.” 

“No, honestly, he was not at all a lover. The 
only man I ever loved was Charlie. Do you know 
I loved him from the moment I laid my eyes upon 
him. Oh, if anything was to happen to him what 
should I do?” 

“Why, Lutie, how foolish! What is going to 
happen? ” 

“ Nothing, of course ; I am quite foolish ; but you 
know I loved my father so much and he died. My — 
I have an idea that every one I love is doomed to 
some misfortune.” 

“ What nonsense, child. I didn’t think you were 
so superstitious. You needn’t be afraid of Cor- 
anna’s dying. He’s healthy enough. Are you go- 
ing to Mrs. Clinton’s ball to-night?” 

“Yes, and so is Mr. Leguay ; but Charlie and 
Estelle are not. Estelle has been to Mr. Leguay’s 
country place and is tired and Charlie will be busy, 
Mother will go. She is so kind. I won two prizes 
here in Magnorum, Clara. One a husband, the 
other a real true mother, I hate to say in-law.” 

“ They won the greatest prize when they got 
you,” returned Mrs. Melton warmly. 

“ Lutie would never tell me anything but the 
truth, I am sure,” Mrs. Melton was thinking on her 


COR ANNA. 


65 


way home; 44 but the young gentleman did show her 
a great deal of attention, certainly. They were 
•constantly together, I recollect them now sitting in 
a hammock, reading, driving together, and enjoy- 
ing themselves generally. I have met somebody 
here in Magnorum that reminds me of him at times ; 
but I can’t think when or where. Poor fellow, saw 
it was a hopeless case, I suppose, and then gave 
up. Lutie is very distant at times.” 

Returning home very late that evening, long 
after the ladies had departed for the ball, Coranna 
seated himself at his desk in a rather abstracted 
mood. Recovering, he found himself gazing curi- 
ously at a square white envelope. It had been ad- 
dressed with a type-writer and marked 44 private.” 
44 Queer, but I always hated to open a letter 
that was marked 4 private,’ ” he muttered ; 44 writ- 
ten with a caligraph too. Well it won’t be hard to 
read, that’s one blessing.” It wasn’t. — Mr. Cor- 
anna. If you want to avoid a scandal in your fam- 
ily, keep an eye on your wife. She passes some of 
time in the company of a handsome soldier, with 
whom I saw her to-dav. This may not be my busi- 
ness, but I hate to see a man of your stamp the 
laughing stock of the city, as you must be in a short 
time if this is not stopped. If you want further 
proof, keep an eye on Lieutenant F. — A friend. 

As Coranna read, he felt a chill in his veins, and 
his heart stood still. Then it leaped again, and he 
started up in a rage. The sound of wheels, and a 
5 


66 


CORANNA. 


carriage stopped at the door. With a mighty ef- 
fort, he controlled himself and sat down. Lutie, 
his wife, was coming. His resolution was formed 
in an instant. A woman like Lutie would never 
forgive having such a charge brought against her, 
if she were innocent, and — oh, Grod, she must be 
innocent. The blood filled his veins again, al- 
most to bursting. In another instant, he felt that 
she was entering the room, but he did not turn to- 
ward hertill she spoke. “ Charlie, why didn’tyou 
get to the ball at least part of the time?” He 
turned and gave her a hurried glance. Could ever 
woman have looked more royally beautiful ? She 
wore diamonds with her purple velvet, and her face 
looked as pure as a saint’s with its aureole of 
golden hair. But at the sight, Coranna felt sick. 
He wished she would go away and leave him. Above 
all things, he desired to be alone. Lutie had no such 
intention, however. Coming across to him, she put 
her arms about his neck, “business, bother business,” 
pettishly putting aside the letters, “ there is an 
end of it to-night.” Taking his chair by 
the top, she swung it around, and ere he was 
aware of her intention, had seated herself squarely 
on his lap. Laying her head upon his shoulder, 
she pressed her soft warm cheek against his face. 
“Oh, Charlie, dearest, I have something to tell 
you,” blushing brightly. 

“ What is it?” Coranna tried to stammer, but 
his tongue refused to move. 


67 


CORANNA. 

“I don’t believe I’ll tell you now,” she rattled 
on with a blush, “but I will — by and bye.” 

“Yes,” he managed to say, but he was shocked 
at the sound of his own voice. He let her sit there 
as long as she would, because he was powerless to 
do otherwise. Mechanically he held her gently 
while she chattered about the ball. Coranna could 
not be rough, but he alone knew what torture it 
was. At times he seemed possessed of an irresist- 
able impulse to fling her off. Lutie was utterly unsus- 
picious of any change, of course. She arose pres- 
ently. “ Oh, dear, I’m so tired. Now, Charlie, 
you don’t have to stay here any longer do you ?” 

“ Yes, I must to-night — stay till I finish — ” he 
jerked out. 

“ Well, I won’t bother you any longer then, 
good-night,” and kissing him playfully once and 
again she left the room. Coranna found writing 
an impossibility of course, but he sat at his desk 
for some time thinking. He re-read the letter. 
“ The lau£hin£ stock of all Mao-norum.” The words 
burnt into his soul. They roused the very devil 
within him. Starting up he vowed she would fool 
him no longer. Yet, ah ! how winning she was ! He 
could still feel the pressure of her arms around his 
neck, her kisses on his brow. But she was false — 
false. Who would dare write such a thing as this 
if the truth lay not behind it? He would take the 
letter to her. He would face her. He would ac- 
cuse her. He would drive her from his home. Let 


68 


CORANNA. 


her seek shelter where she would ! With his 
rage still upon him he stood up. A few steps 
brought him into full sight of the adjoining cham- 
ber. Then he paused. The sight within might 
well arrest harsh footsteps. By the low white bed 
his wife was kneeling. Her hair all unbraided fell 
about her in a golden shower mingling with folds of 
dainty white. A vision so exquisite in its beauty 
and purity Heaven alone might duplicate. Coranna 
stepped back softly. Great Heaven, do such women 
pray? There she knelt unconsciously proving her 
innocence. How blind he had been ! Hadn’t they 
always been jealous of Lutie and himself, of their 
love, their peace, their happiness? This was some 
vile attempt at slander. Why bad he ever read it? 
He would tear it to shreds now as he would have 
been willing to annihilate its author could he but 
have discovered him. He resolved that he would 
never harbor another distrustful thought concerning 
this lovely girl whom he had married. Men might 
well envy him so perfect a wife ! Returning to his 
desk he remained there far into the night. When 
he came into his wife’s presence his heart was once 
more loyal and the experience of the few hours 
seemed nothing more than a hateful dream. 

Coranna accompanied his wife on the following 
evening. Lutie wore a dress of maize-colored silk, 
Lieutenant Franklin wore his uniform. When 
Coranna was not with his wife Lieutenant Franklin 
was often in attendance, but no more frequently 


COHAN NA. 


69 


than Leguay, whom Lutie disliked at heart but 
treated with careful civility. There was no deny- 
ing that Lieutenant Franklin was a handsome man. 
He was as fair as a woman. His eyes were light 
brown and his hair very black. He was tall and 
heavy set and his eyes rested with a look of unmis- 
takable pride and affection upon Lutie as they 
paraded about the rooms. Finally he led her to a 
retired corner of the conservatory and they settled 
themselves for a quiet chat, all unconscious that 
eager eyes were watching their every rpovement. 
Their conversation was evidently absorbing, for they 
failed to notice the form that had stolen into the 
shadow near them. “ Do you think you are per- 
fectly safe now?” asked Lutie looking sharply 
about her to see that no one was within hearing. 

“ No, I am never safe,” returned the Lieutenant 
despondently, leaning his head upon his hand, “ they 
are after me like bloodhounds, lam so contented 
here near you I will risk all danger.” 

“ Oh, don’t risk anything. It would be so terri- 
ble. Then there is my husband. Think of the dis- 
grace, his name — ours, his proud old mother. 
Oh, dearest Carl, risk nothing. For my sake flee 
from danger.” 

“ I must be ready then to go at any moment. 
When you receive a message from me you will 
come to me will you not, dearest Lutie?” 

Leguay moved out of his corner. Others were 
arriving, he could wait to hear no more, but he had 
heard enough to make his eyes glitter with triumph. 


70 


CORANNA. 


Coranna had tried to put away all evil thoughts. 
Leguay could not tell from his manner whether he 
had received the mysterious epistle or not. But he 
determined to find out. In making a few remarks 
to Coranna about the ball he incidentally mentioned 
Lieutenant Franklin. Coranna flushed. It was all 
that Legua}' required. “ The poison is working,” 
hesneeredto himself, “ but Charlie, you see, is a lit- 
tle too soft hearted to be rash.” Henri Leguay 
was a busy man, but in spite of the many cares 
which his new estate brought him, in spite of the in- 
creasing business of the firm, he found time to keep 
an eye upon the movements of Mrs. Coranna, and 
in this he was aided by Estelle, who found time to 
be as idle as her brother was busy. Lutie seldom 
went out alone. She was a companionable little 
creature and usually invited some of her many 
friends to accompany her. Estelle’s close watch 
was finally rewarded by seeing Lutie start for a 
drive all by herself. She was not long in following, 
feeling sure of obtaining some news for her brother. 
Lutie drove to Woodland Park. Estelle’s heart 
beat when she saw her dismiss the driver w r ith in- 
structions and start for a walk alone. She went to 
a certain point in the shrubbery and sat down com- 
pletely out of sight. Estelle soon found a spot from 
which she could command the situation. Lieuten- 
ant Franklin was not long in making his appear- 
ance. He sat down by Lutie and they remained in 
conversation for some time. “ I don’t know when 


CORANNA. 71 

we can meet again like this,” Lutie finally con- 
cluded as she arose. “ It is never safe.” 

“No, but we must have a talk once more before 
I go. We must meet again to-night. Can you ar- 
range it !” 

“ Let me see,” said Lutie reflectively, “ to-night 
I will be at Mrs. Renard’s ; are you invited?” 

“Yes.” 

“ Do you know the house thoroughly?” 

“Yes.” 

“Well the southeastern corner of the conserva- 
tory is very dark, lover’s corner, the girls call it. I 
will be there at twelve o’clock or as near that time 
as lean.” 

Estelle had heard all that she cared to know and 
hurried away to avoid observation. She told her 
brother of the interview, told him all she had heard 
and in a tone of disappointment. Before night fell 
Leguay knew just how affairs stood between Lieu- 
tenant Franklin and the wife of his friend and part- 
ner. Coranna found an unstamped note on his 
desk that evening. Nobody could tell how it got 
there. Another warning, “Watch your wife and 
Lieutenant Franklin.” He tore it up and threw 
it aside contemptuously. “ What an idiot who- 
ever writes these things must be,” he muttered. 
“ Lutie is always to be found whenever I seek her 
and Lieutenant Franklin meets me with the frank- 
est face in the world, seeks my society, in fact. 
When he isn’t drilling, he’s dancing, or playing 


72 


CORANNA. 


cards. I’ve watched him doing these things until 
I'm tired. Nothing will ever make me distrust 
Lutie again. Ah, here she comes I Was there ever 
so radiant a vision?” 

Mrs. Coranna came trailing in in a dress of white 
satin. She walked demurely up and down in front 
of him. “ You see I’m old now and married so I 
can wear brocade. What do you think of me?” 

“ I think you are the loveliest, dearest, sweetest 
wife that ever a man had,” said Coranna folding 
her in his arms. 

“There now, don’t crush my dress,” murmured 
Lutie demurely. “You can hug me just as well in a 
wrapper now, can’t you, and then it won’t cost so 
much. I’ll tell you when I’ve got that kind of a 
dress on.” 

“You will have to, for I never notice the 
difference, you always look alike to me. Come, 
Lutie,” he continued taking her by the hand and 
leading her to a sofa. “ I want to ask you some- 
thing.” 

“Now, what is it?” inquired Lutie, as she sat 
down and began fumbling with her bracelet. 

“ Are you right happy, Lutie?” anxiously. 

“Yes, I am right happy,” she echoed without 
enthusiasm. Yet a shadow flitted across her face. 

“Lutie, Since we have been married have you 
ever seen any one that you think you could be hap- 
pier with than with me. Don’t you sometimes re- 
gret your choice, my dearest.” 


CORANNA. 


73 


“I don't know what you mean.” Lutie had 
risen and was staring at him with wide-opened 
eyes. 

“Why, dearest, you are such a little sphinx. I 
sometimes think you merely let me bore you with 
my affection.” 

“Oh, how mistaken you have been, how mis- 
taken.” Lutie had forgotten all about her dress 
and was hanging about her husband’s neck with 
tears in her eyes. “Since the world began nobody 
has ever been loved as I love you. Why I just live 
for you, Charlie, and you only. I could die for you. 
Oh ! Charlie — ”and her voice died away to a whis- 
per. “ I have often trembled when I think of the 
way I feel about you. If anything should happen 
to you how could I live — how could I — ” and she 
fairly sobbed. 

“ There, there, darling, what a fool I am to dis- 
turb you like this, and we must be off in a few 
moments. Now you musn’t cry, you can’t, you 
mustn’t !” 

“ I won’t,” said Lutie, dashing away the tears 
and smiling bravely. “ But you mustn’t ever talk 
like that again, Charlie.” 

“ Indeed I shall not, dearest,” returned her hus- 
band. When Charlie entered the ball-room that 
evening it needed but a glance to assure Leguay that 
his shot had missed the mark. Coranna seemed so 
radiantly happy*, Lutie looked a trifle pale and her 
piouth moved tremulously. He had never seen her 


74 


CORANNA. 


so dignified and quiet. She seemed determined not 
to attract attention to her movements. Leguay 
wisely guessed the reason Coranna had insisted on 
Lutie’s dancing one waltz with him. At the close 
he found he was engaged to Estelle for the next 
dance and he hurried away to find her without no- 
ticing who was to dance with Lutie. When the 
quadrille was finished Estelle complained of the 
heat, “ Let us take a stroll through the conserva- 
tory, I doubt it’s being cooler, but — ” 

“ Plants are always refreshing,’’ murmured Es- 
telle, who looked quite dashing in her crimson silk. 
Her face was flushed and her dark eyes blazed with 
suppressed excitement. 

“You are getting prettier every day, Estelle,” 
declared Coranna, who felt very kindly toward his 
partner’s sister. 

“ What is the use of being pretty if one is not 
happy,” pouted Estelle. 

“You will never be happy so long as you remain 
single,” protested Coranna with mock gravity. 
“ Take one of those gentlemen you so delight in 
making miserable and make him happy and then you 
will be happy yourself.” 

“ Is that your experience?” 

“ Mine has been one of the happiest. I did 
shrink from the matrimonial yoke, I confess,” with 
a laugh, “ but I have found it a yoke of roses. No 
weight and much fragrance.” 

Near by the chimes were sounding the hour of 


CORANNA. 


75 


twelve. Estelle had managed to direct their steps 
to that southeastern corner of the conservatory. 
Presently she gave a little cry and Coranna glanced 
to see what had attracted her attention. They had 
made a sharp turn ; he raised a bough so that it 
might not strike Estelle and the light shone sudden- 
ly on his wife’s golden hair and gleaming satin, and 
it also fell on Franklin’s bright uniform and hand- 
some face. The Lieutenant’s arms were about Lutie 
as he clasped her in a close embrace, her face was 

hidden against his shoulder. 

© 

“ Oh !” gasped Coranna, reelinga little. “ Oh — 
My God — Oh!” 

Estelle took his arm and clasped her hands about it. 

“I — I can’t think I swore to her inno- 
cence.” 

“ Come away,” whispered Estelle. 

“ Do you think I’ll let him live?” trying to 
wrench himself from her grasp. 

“Come away! come away!” pleaded Estelle, 
“ it won’t hurt her if you do kill him. Those kind 
of women never care. You can’t kill her.” 

“No — I couldn’t kill her. No, I couldn’t do 
that, oh, no!” too dazed to more than echo his 
companion. Mind and will had deserted him. 

“ Charlie, come with me and let us go away to- 
gether. I have always loved you, and it will be a 
fine revenge. I knew this all along. Just think 
what it was to me to love you as I always have and 
then to have this false girl come between us and 


76 


OORANNA. 


steal you from me. She boasts of how you could 
not live without her I Come with me. I will 
always be true to you.” 

Without another word Coranna suffered her to 
lead him away. Ten hours later they were out on 
the Atlantic sailing for Europe. Magnorum was 
agog with the news. Coranna, who had seemed to 
all but worship his wife, Coranna, the popular idol, 
the chevalier sans reproche , had eloped with his 
partner’s sister I Lieutenant Franklin was nowhere 
to be found. But nobody placed any connection 
between these facts. Franklin bore a fine reputa- 
tion and nobody had suspected Mrs. Coranna of be- 
ing other than thoroughly devoted to her husband. 
It had been regarded as one of her most charming 
characteristics. 


Guest after guest departed from the ball and still 
Lutie’s husband failed to present himself. She 
was beginning to feel embarrassed, when Henri Le- 
guay came up to her : “I cannot find Estelle any- 
where and I understand that she and Charlie left some 
hours since. Did they send any message to you? ” 

“None whatever.” 

“ They must have been called away very sudden- 
ly. Estelle has taken our carriage. Will you per- 
mit me to escort you? ” 

“ Something must have happened to mother, I am 
sure. Nothing else would have made Charlie act 
like this,” 


CORANNA. 


77 


But upon arriving at home, she discovered that 
the elder Mrs. Coranna was sleeping soundly. In- 
quiry among the servants developed the fact that 
Mr. Coranna had returned home, done some pack- 
ing, and driven away in Leguay’s carriage. He had 
left no orders. Lutie at once sent to Leguay to 
learn what he had discovered concerning Estelle. 
The servant soon returned. Leguay was not at 
home, but the message would be delivered to him as 
soon as he appeared. Lutie paced the drawing-room 
tremulous with agitation. At length Leguay entered 
unannounced. “ What is it? What is it?” Lutie 
inquired quickly, a feverish flush rising in her 
cheeks. 

“ My dear Mrs. Coranna,” began Henri, com- 
ing forward and taking both her hands, “ you 
must prepare yourself to receive some shocking 
news.” 

“ Something has happenedto Charlie, he is hurt — 
dead, I’m sure he is.” 

“No he is not dead or hurt. As far as we know 
he is alive and well — happy in fact. You will have 
to know, so I might as well tell you, Mrs. Coranna, 
your husband has eloped with my sister.” 

“Impossible!” Lutie tried to withdraw her 
hands. 

“No, unfortunately there can be no mistake. 
They have gone away most openly, leaving for 
Europe on the Ocean Pearl. She was delayed and 
has not been out an hour. There was no attempt 


78 


COR ANNA. 


at secrecy. They seemed to have paraded their at- 
tachment. You know they were always lovers.” 

“ Indeed ! ” with a flashing glance. 

“ My dear Mrs. Coranna do not distress yourself . 
Your husband was never worthy of you. He mar- 
ried you simply because he was jealous of me. He 
married you so that I could not. With a full 
knowledge of my love for you he hurried me off 
into the country and then married you before I had 
a chance to address you. Why should you grieve 
because of his perfidity? Estelle is my sister. 
They have disgraced us both. The papers will 
shortly be ringing with the affair. They are happy. 
Why should we not be? Let us follow their ex- 
ample, leave Magnorum at once and so avoid all 
things disagreeable. I am wealthier than Coranna 
now and I have always loved you.” 

Leguay tried to embrace her. Lutie flung 
him off. “You are at the bottom of all this and 
you know it. I have always distrusted, now 1 hate 
you. If you were the only man living and there 
never was another to be created I would never marry 
you. Leave me — go—” and she pointed to the 
door. 

“She will marry me yet,” determined Leguay. 
“ In spite of this repulse she will marry me yet. 
She doesn’t dream that I know Lieutenant Franklin 
is accused of murder. When she becomes ac- 
quainted with that fact it will be an easy task to 
bring her to terms.” 


CORANNA. 


79 


Mrs. Coranna woke to the knowledge of her son’s 
flight. When she went to Lutie she found her sit- 
ting still and white, bolt upright in the drawing 
room, attired as on the previous evening, though 
the sun was streaming in upon her. Very tenderly 
the old lady led her to her room, unclasped her 
jewels and helped het lay aside her gleaming satin. 
Lutie said never a word. She let herself be per- 
suaded to lie down. 

“ She is stunned, poor little thing,” thought Mrs. 
Coranna. Before the old lady left the room, Lutie 
put her arms around her neck. “ I never had a 
chance to tell him mother, he never knew.” 

“ Poor child, poor darling, that a son of mine 
should act thus ! ” Lutie made no fuss whatever 
and many doubted that she had ever cared for her 
husband. But her mother-in-law was wiser. “ I 
will have to take her away from all these surround- 
ings or she will die.” So she sold her possessions 
in Magnorum and made preparations to leave the 
city for years of travel. They decided to elude 
Leguay and went away without leaving a message or 
address with any one. Ere they departed news 
was received that the Ocean Pearl had foundered 
with all on board. 


In a dilapidated apartment in Paris a man was 
sitting with his head bowed down in painful thought. 
Every now and then he sighed deeply. It was rain- 


80 


CORANNA. 


ing, and the room was growing dark and chill, but 
he made no effort to mend the meager fire nor did 
he seem to desire a light. He was lost in a pro- 
found revery and evidently oblivious of his sur- 
roundings. Presently a woman’s shrill voice broke 
the silence. “ Why on earth don’t you keep a little 
fire up when I’m out and light a lamp ; you might do 
that much at least. Here, Marie, you little chit,” 
she continued and going over to a bed in one corner 
she roused a child and shook her violently, “ why 
didn’t you get up and get supper ready.” 

“ Oh mamma, I’m so sleepy,” begged the little 
one. 

“Get up I say,” she repeated, and seizing a 
whip she struck her bare shoulders and arms some 
sharp cuts. 

“ Oh papa, papa,” screamed the child. 

The man was at her side in an instant and had 
taken the little girl in his arms. “ I say, Estelle, you 
shall not strike her ; do what you please otherwise, 
that one thing you shall not do.” 

“ I shall if I want to,” retorted the woman sharp- 
ly, “ she is mine you know. You have no claim on 
her, none whatever.” A flush stained his face but 
he made no reply. “ You may get some supper the 
best way you can, then. I shall go out. You needn’t 
fret, but that I shall find a supper,” with a sneer. 
Walking over to the mirror she arranged her dress, 
which was gaudy and somewhat costly. It was not 
at all in keeping with the room nor its furniture. 


CORANNA. 


81 


Giving the man a contemptuous glance she rouged 
her cheeks in silence then marched out of the room 
frowning sullenly. With her a hateful presence 
vanished. The man undertook at once to soothe the 
little one while he dressed her. Then he went to 
the cupboard in search of food and finding none he 
placed the child on a chair and lighted a lamp. 44 Now 
you won’t be frightened, pet, if papa leaves you for 
a little while ; I must go out and buy some supper for 
my baby.” 

“ Papa, now, really,” remonstrated the little girl 
shaking her finger. 44 I’m altogether too old to be 
called baby any longer, don’t you ’member what I 
told you about that. If I don’t cry when you are 
gone will you dance with me when you come 
back ? 

“ Dance !” smiling bitterly he swallowed a lump 
that had risen in his throat. What a mockery it 
seemed? 44 Yes, we will dance when I come back.” 
Who could refuse her? Satisfied with the prom- 
ise she sat down and folded her arms, remaining 
motionless during his brief absence. When he re- 
turned she ate heartily, her companion making a 
pretense at eating until she had finished, determined 
that there should be enough for one, if not for both. 
44 Papa, what makes you so good?” said the little 
one climbing into his lap. 

44 Good !” with a start. 

4 4 Yes, good and sweet and kind,” she contin- 
ued, stroking his face with her baby fingers, 
6 




COR ANN A, 


“ you don’t whip me and scold me like mamma 
does; I hate mamma.” 

“ Hush, pet, hush, — ” 

“ I will, papa, I won’t be bad, I’ll try to 
love mamma, but then you never can,” coolly. 
“ You see when you are away she whips 
me, and she says I don’t belong to you, 
that I’m all hers and that she can do what she 
pleases with me, and she stamps her foot so,” and 
the child got down to show him, then catching both 
his hands she looked into his face. “ Now, papa, 
I want you to tell me ; ain’t I really your little 
girl, as much as mamma’s?” 

“ Indeed you are really my own precious little 
daughter, don’t listen to them, when they talk to 
you like that, my pet.” 

“ And mamma said, you won’t let on if I tell 
you,” lowering her voice to a whisper. “'Mamma 
said she was tired of you. Just think of it, 
tired of you, my nice sweet papa, and she said she 
was going away with a great rich man and take 
me with her, and she would have diamonds and 
he would give me more candy in one day than 
you could buy in a whole year.” 

“ Well, that’s news,” he muttered, with a start. 
“ But I wouldn’t leave you, papa, no, not even for 
candy; but I do like candy,” with a sigh. “I 
do like it a very great deal.” 

“ You shall never leave papa, my pet, as long 
as he lives.” 


COR ANN A. 


83 


“ I guessed you’d say that, can’t I guess good 
though? Now let’s dance.” 

So the rickety furniture was moved back, the 
curtain drawn, and the light turned up. The lit- 
tle girl danced alone at first, and papa stood 
watching. Then she held out her tiny hands 
and he caught them and around and around they 
went, waltz, schottische, galop, making up a dance 
of all manner of steps and figures. When they 
tired of dancing, they tried a game of catch and 
chased each other about the room. They had just 
ended such a frolic and started to waltz again 
when they heard a knock at the door. It was 
ajar and they became conscious that a woman had 
been standing on the threshold watching them. 
Finding that she had been preceived she entered. 
She was an old lady, tall and stately. Her gray 
hair curved on either side of a stern looking face 
and her dress of black velvet, with its collar 
of choice lace betokened the aristocrat. “ What 
are you doing here,” she demanded looking grimly 
into the man’s face. “ Mother,” he gasped gazing 
blankly, “Oh, my God, how did you get to such 
a place as this.” 

“ Father how did you get to such a place as 
this? I saw you on the street and followed you 
here. I knew you at once, though I thought you 
were dead long since — drowned. Why have you 
never undeceived me? ” 

“ It was best that you should think so.” 


84 


COR ANNA. 


“ Yes, but it seems that I was not to have that 
satisfaction. Where is — that girl ? ’ ’ 

“ Estelle? She lives with me, but she is not at 
home now.” 

“ Where is she ; do you permit her to roam 
about the streets at night? ” 

“ She does as she pleases.” 

“ Whose child is that?” pointing to Marie. 

“ She is my daughter.” 

“ Are you sure ? ’ ’ 

“ Oh, quite sure ; Estelle would not look at any 
one else as long as the money lasted.” 

“ Then you never married her? ” 

66 I have often wished to do so — she refuses.” 

“You have done a fine thing, have you not, my 
son? My patient toil of years to make you all it 
might become a man to be has come to a grand end. 
The woman for whose sake you sacrificed what 
promised to be a great career refuses to marry 
you!” 

“ Mother, enough ! you are going too far; I 
wish to live for the child’s sake. Reproach me no 
further. Go away ; I ask nothing at your hands. 
God knows I have suffered; my hours are full of 
agony without these words from you. Why drive 
me to utter despair? The little girl must have pro- 
tection. That alone has prevented my ending a 
life that has become a mere mockery.” 

“ Whatever you do, don’t thrust yourself into 
the presence of the Lord unsummoned,” warned 


CORANNA. 


85 


the old lady, adopting a milder tone. 44 Why are 
you living in such poverty? ” 

“ I don’t know; I have lost hope, courage, the 
ability to make money.” 

44 But the fortune that your father left you is still 
intact?” 

“I could not obtain that without — without — 
I did not wish you to know that I still lived.” 

“ What are you going to do with her? Let her 
follow in her mother’s footsteps? ” 

44 Heaven forbid ! ” 

44 So say I. Leave this woman, take your child 
and come and stay with me; I will introduce you 
as my nephew, cousin, friend.” 

44 Impossible ! That I may never be called to 
look upon the faces of those who were about me in 
that former happy time, is my earnest wish. Much 
as I love you, mother, it would have been better 
if we had not met to-day. It is almost more than 
I can bear.” 

The old lady had softened now to tears. 

44 Don’t cry, mother; the past can never be un- 
done; but if it will ease your heart to know, I will 
assure you that for the future you need have no 
fear. Heretofore I have drifted caring for noth- 
ing, letting Estelle manage as she would ; but now 
I shall take my life into my own hands once more. 
This woman has planned to leave me ; I will leave 
her instead. I will go to another city and enter 
upon a new career. Henceforth I will lead an hon- 


86 


CORANNA. 


orable life for the sake of my child, and that you 
may be at peace.” 

“ I will do all in my power to aid you, rest as- 
sured. Here is all the money I have with me at 
present,” laying a purse upon the table. “ Your 
fortune has increased and I will see that it comes 
into your possession. When will Estelle return ?” 

“ She may be here at any moment. I must keep 
my intention a secret or she will make trouble about 
Marie, and I am bound to have her.” 

She gave the girl a cold glance. “ Then I will 
not stay longer. Here is my address. I could not 
trust myself to look upon her,” and shaking her 
head sorrowfully she turned and went away. 

“ Mother what has become of — what has become 
of — ” hoarsely, trying to pronounce a name but 
his lips failed to form the sounds. When he looked 
up she was gone. Marie had climbed upon his lap 
and was putting a purse into his pocket. “ Is that 
your mamma, papa; I didn’t think you ever had 
any mamma?” 

“Every man has a mother, child.” 

“ I don’t like her. She stolded you like mamma 
does, only worser. I won’t stold you, I love you.” 

Yes and he remembered with a pang that he must 
be stirring or else he might lose her. If Estelle re- 
turned and insisted upon claiming her he might 
plead in vain. So he hastily set about arranging 
for departure. Wrapping the little girl in an old 
coat he carried her to the depot and left the city. 


COR ANN A. 


87 


The landlord found his rooms abandoned. Estelle 
did not return. She had met a rich American and 
sailed for other shores. 


Coranna had gone to Florence, secured a quiet 
though elegant residence and adopted the name 
Adamari. He had busied himself writing an opera, 
and to his own surprise it had proved a success. 
This, together with his fine manners and distin- 
guished appearance, had won him the favor of the 
people of that city. Among the many invitations 
showered upon him he had at length accepted that 
of Prince Forese Donati, who owned a villa near 
Florence. The prince, a fine old gentleman, was 
exerting himself to make the time pass agreeably. 
Repeatedly he regretted the absence of the princess 
who had been called away the evening previous to 
Coranna’s arrival, by the illness of a friend at some 
distance. Coranna 'could not but notice how keenly 
her absence was felt in every way by her husband, 
who had grown into the habit of depending upon 
her to relieve the hours of all tedium for himself 
and for his visitors. Coranna was beginningto find 
even the exquisite beauty about him monotonous, 
and was glad when one morning his servant an- 
nounced that the princess had returned late on the 
previous evening, accompanied by both her sons. 


88 


CORANNA. 


He had risen early, thinking to take a stroll in the 
garden with his little daughter. The prince had 
also arisen. “You will find my boys in the 
garden,” he said, “ they are up with the sun.” 

“Come, pet, we will go and see if we can’t find 
you some little companions.” A short walk 
brought them to the side of a miniature lake upon 
the bank of which the boys were seated. The 
elder was absorbed in practicing a tune upon his 
flute, the younger amusing himself meanwhile by 
throwing pebbles into the lake. 

“ Good morning, Cino,” saidCoranna, addressing 
the would-be musician. “ You see your father has 
made me acquainted with you during your absence, 
and now can you tell me who I am.” 

“ You mistake me for the Prince,” answered the 
boy, rising gracefully and grasping the proffered 
hand. “ Indeed I know who you are, sir. You 
are Signor Adamari. I have a photograph of you 
in my room, and I am always trying to get those 
pretty tunes in your last opera.” 

“ So I have perceived,” returned Coranna, look- 
ing full into the boy’s thoughtful face. Then he 
gasped with that strangling sensation that he felt at 
times. What affected him so queerly? Of whom 
did this Prince’s son remind him? Slowly he drew 
his hand across his forehead trying to think. Slow- 
ly his thoughts traveled back to the home of his 
childhood. Yes, that was where he had seen that 
face. A famous Italian artist had painted a picture 


COR ANNA. 


89 


of Coranna in his boyhood. This boy was the 
image of that picture. 

“ I’m glad that you recognize the tune, Signor. I 
was afraid that nobody would be able to.” 

44 Not so bad as that, Cino, not so bad. This is 
my little daughter, Marie. You can run and play 
now, pet, and I will help Cino to perfect this tune 
on his flute.” 

4 4 Let me take her to my brother. He will be 
glad of such a dear little girl to play with.” At 
this juncture the younger boy came forward. 

44 Now for our music. This is the way, see — 
Now try — ah that is better. You will make a 
musician, Cino, never fear.” 

44 1 see you still mistake me for the Prince.” 

44 Mistake you, surely you are the elder !” 

44 Yes, I am my mother’s elder son, but the Prince 
is only my stepfather. Didn’t he tell you?” 

44 No, he spoke of you with equal affection as his 
sons.” 

44 Oh, yes, he loves us both the same. When I 
was small I didn’t know but that he was my own 
father; but they were obliged to tell me, you know, 
to keep me from being disappointed about the title 
and so forth.” 

44 You speak of all this wealth very lightly. You 
don’t envy your brother, then.” 

44 Envy Cino I No; I love him. We would have a 
dull time without Cino. He keeps us all alive, I can 
tell you.” 


90 


COR ANN A. 


“ Then you don’t remember your father at all.” 

“ No, he died some months before I was born. 
He was drowned. Mamma says I am the image of 
him, but not so gay or quite so good looking. The 
Prince is a kind father ; he makes no difference be- 
tween us. In fact, sometimes he gets out of 
patience with Cino, but he never scolds me. Then 
he will not let me be called by my own father’s 
name, I take his. Mamma says that she hopes I 
will be as smart as my own father was. He knew 
a great deal about business and law and music. I 
don’t care for anything but music. I would rather 
people should say, ‘ There is Carlo Coranno, the 
composer,’ than, 4 There is his highness, Prince 
Donati, though a great many others think differ- 
ently.” 

“ Say what?” gasped Coranno with a great start, 
“ what name did you say?” 

“ Oh, yes, of course,” laughed the boy, “ you 
don’t recognize my real name; but I’ll take it if 
ever I get famous. You may be sure I will. There 
is plenty of it and a nice mixture — Carlo Van 
Straat Coranna.” 

Coranna sat stunned. “ What was your mother’s 
name before she married?” he demanded hoarsely. 

“ Mrs. Lutie Coranna. Why, I believe you are 
ill, Signor. Are you always so white?” 

“ I am never exactly well, but it is nothing,” said 
Coranna. “ I was quite interested in what you were 
saying. How old are you?” 


CORANNA. 


91 


“ I will be fourteen very soon.’ ’ A little more 
than that time had elapsed since he had left New 
York. This then was his son. His features alone 
told the story. And the Princess? She must be his 
former wife. This youth, at once so interesting and 
so gentle, was his own son, of whose existence he had 
not even dreamt. And now he must be prepared 
to face the Princess, his former wife. There was no 
possibility of escape. Carlo chattered gaily on 
until the servant came to inform them that break- 
fast would be served. Carlo accompanied Coranna 
and Cino walked behind demurely leading the little 
Marie. The Prince drew his wife’s attention to 
their approach. “ Here are Signor Adamari and his 
little daughter. In him you will find a sincere 
friend, my dearest. He will accept no invitation 
unless this little one accompanies him. She is 
never allowed to be far out of his sight, even with a 
servant. There is some reason for it, of course. 
Though he says nothing of his past history, I feel 
that he must have suffered much. See, Carlo has 
charmed him already. He has been giving him 
some instruction on the flute.” 

“ Quite charming of so great a composer. 
Love my boys and I will love you,” laughed his 
wife, and it was with the sweetest of smiles that 
she turned to welcome Coranna when he was pre- 
sented to her. Anyhow the Princess had the sweet- 
est manner in the world. Any brusqueness she had 
owned to as a girl had disappeared, leaving a polish 


92 


COR ANNA. 


that was an added marvel to her beauty. Coranna 
had idolized the girlish countenance. She was now 
in her prime and a mother. At sight of her he 
realized his unutterable weight of woe. A shadow 
as of death oppressed him. “ I was so sorry to be 
obliged to leave when I found that you were com- 
ing to see us, Signor, but my friend’s life was de- 
spaired of.” 

“ How is your friend now? ” Coranna found 
breath to inquire. 

“Oh, better; much better; else I could not 
have left her. But I am glad to be at home 
again. We will try to make up for lost time. Are 
you fond of gayety, Signor?” 

“ I once was fond of gayety.” 

“ When you get into the whirl again your fancy 
for it will return, we hope. I used to think that 
children were always gay, but Carlo here is often 
melancholy; always ford of playing sad music.” 

“ He will make a musician, madam? ” 

“ Ah ! I am so glad. Come, we will go to 
breakfast,” she continued, laying her hand lightly 
on Coranna’s coat sleeve. A wild impulse came 
over him to fling it off, to make himself known, to 
crush her, to kill her. And yet he mechanically 
performed the usual duties of a guest, such is 
the force of habit. He was glad when the meal 
enforced a period of comparative quiet. After- 
wards the party adjourned to the garden. The 
Princess was wild over Marie, 


CORANNA. 


93 


“ Oh, if I had but a little daughter like this,” 
she would say, putting her arms about the child, 
“I should be so very happy.” 

Coranna took note of everything. He saw how 
Carlo was idolized — his son. The boy was ever at 
his mother’s side. How different from the mercur- 
ial little prince! Coranna stayed on; fearful as his 
position was it fascinated him. Sometimes he 
thought he was going mad. When his son would 
throw his arm across the prince’s shoulder and call 
him father and beg his permission to do this or that, 
when he watched this man shower gifts upon the 
boy and advised him with tenderest solicitude ! 
Then unwittingly the children seemed to torture 
him. Marie had noticed the princess embroidering 
and the latter had made a merry compact with him. 
“ While you are teaching my son music I am going 
to return the compliment by teaching your daughter 
to embroider,” she had said. So he was often 
obliged to watch while she placed the wee fingers in 
position and kissed the little one’s tears away when 
she pricked them in her awkward attempts at nee- 
dle work. 

“ Your wife is dead?” the princess once re- 
marked interrogatively when they had been discuss- 
ing Marie and her education. 

“ My wife was false to me,” Coranna answered 
gloomily, noting sharply the effect of his words. 

“ Ah, how sad that such things should be,” sighed 
the princess plaintively. 


94 


COKANNA. 


“ She would deceive Lucifer ! Truly she is a pat- 
tern of innocence herself,” was his sneering thought. 
Meanwhile Carlo and the composer were almost in- 
separable companions. Coranna had found no so- 
ciety so charming as that of this youth with his 
noble impulses and high ideals. One evening the 
two were sitting at some little distance from the 
house, practicing upon their favorite instrument, the 
flute. They were in full view of the piazza upon 
which were seated the prince and princess, each with 
a child beside them, Cino and Marie. A gentleman 
came riding up the road that led to the house. The 
horse was coming towards them and the sun shone 
full on his face. Coranna at once recognized Lieu- 
tenant Franklin, older, stouter, but otherwise little 
changed. Alighting he walked up to the princess 
with an easy air of gallantry and kissed her. “ Who 
is that, Carlo?” demanded Coranna grasping the 
boy’s arm. 

“ That’s my uncle, Mr. Van Straat; he has been 
away ever so long traveling all around the world. 
Mamma thought he was dead for a longtime; but he 
was in Africa and now he’s come back safe and 
sound. You ought to have seen how happy she 
was. I must go and see him. Will you excuse me 
or come along?” 

“ Certainly no — not now,” murmured Coranna. 
As soon as Carlo’s back was turned he hurried to 
his own apartments by another entrance. Hour 
after hour he rushed up and down tearing his hair, 


COR ANNA. 


95 


writhing in agony, muttering to himself : “ Innocent 
after all, innocent, innocent.” It was an awful 
night for Coranna. His brain was on fire. For the 
first time in the whole fifteen years he realized the 
full import of his action. His mind wandered back 
to Lutie as he had left her. Again he felt the soft 
cheek pressed against his and remembered her words 
concerning the little secret that had never been told. 
What must she not have suffered ! And it was like 
her to attain, conquer it bravely and attain cheer- 
fulness. It had not taken him long to discover that 
her feeling for her hasband was affection, respect, 
tenderness. There was no pretense to the exu- 
berant happiness of their own union. The past 
could not be recalled, but what was to be his future, 
theirs? Should he obey the impulse to make him- 
self known, to take his wife to his heart once more 
and claim his son ! But what would be her feeling 
in the case? Only horror. This he perceived. 
She was more than contented as things were. To 
make himself known would destroy the happiness of 
all. The prince would be wretched. It would per- 
haps involve the prospects of the little Cino. Lutie 
herself would be miserable. Now that her innocence 
was proved he remembered her tender conscience with 
regard to such matters. She would persist in re- 
maining away from both. What contempt he would 
note in the eyes of his son when the tale was told ! 
How, suspecting an innocent wife, he had eloped 
with what afterwards proved to be a vile woman. 


96 


CORANNA. 


Whatever explanation he could make now seemed 
trivial, idiotic. Lutie’s silence with regard to her 
brother had savored of deception, of course, but no 
doubt she wonld eventually have told him all about it. 
No ; things must remain as they were. He could not 
stay here another day. Complete self-renunciation 
was his only course. Having ruthlessly crushed 
the blossoms of life, the fruit was not for his pick- 
ing. The world should know no further wretched- 
ness on his account, he determined. Already he had 
added well to his share. “ Hereafter I must bear it 
all alone, in the knowledge that she is happy, that I 
am wholly to blame. My son calls a worthier man 
father. What an awful fate is mine !” The gloom 
of life had settled heavily upon Coran na. Morning 
found him still sitting with bowed head and wide 
open eyes. He knew the day was to be a terrible 
one for him. But he determined upon composure. 
Rising, he completed his toilet and sat down at the 
window hoping that the fresh air would steady his 
nerves. As he sat watching he noticed the 
figure of a man stealing through the shrub- 
bery. His evident desire to remain concealed 
attracted Coran n a’ s attention and then following 
him with his eyes he saw that he stopped di- 
rectly opposite the piazza which the family usu- 
ally occupied during the morning. The next 
thing he discerned was the gleam of a weapon, and 
waiting no longer he jumped from the window, 
started in the direction of the intruder and came 


CORANNA. 


97 


within a few feet of the man, when the latter per- 
ceived him. Too late ! A shot rang out in the 
morning air and the next moment he was grappling 
in a hand-to-hand conflict with the assassin. They 
struggled. Coranna succeeded in throwing aside the 
weapon and forced his antagonist backward. They 
had reached the edge of the lake when Coranna 
slipped, falling heavily to one side. He dragged 
his opponent with him part way, but, in striking the 
water became confused and relaxed his grasp. The 
next moment the cool waters of the lake had closed 
over him. Some gardeners who had witnessed the 
scene now came forward and offered their assist- 
ance ; but Coranna calling to them to continue the 
pursuit came quickly to the shore and hurried to the 
house. Here the wildest confusion prevailed. The 
prince had been shot and was mortally wounded. 
Though dying he was conscious and calm. His 
wife held his hand. The distracted children hung 
around his bed. Van Straat had hurried away to 
call a surgeon. The prince recognized Coranna at 
once. “ You tried to save me, I saw it all,” he said 
softly. “ Lutie, dearest, my children, God is great 
and good. He alone knows why this has happened. 
All is meant in love and I cannot stay with you. 
You will come to me.” 

Coranna breathed in great gasps. The peace of 
the dying man seemed to mock the turmoil in his 
own soul. Soon the priest arrived to administer 
extreme unction. Before noon all was over. The 


7 


98 


CORANNA. 


princess and her children retired to their own apart- 
ments. Coranna offered to assist Van Straat in the 
many duties that necessarily fell upon him. His 
aid was gladly accepted and the men went about 
together like brothers. When his host had been 
laid to rest, Coranna determined to depart. So 
taking his little daughter, Marie, he arranged his 
affairs at Florence and set sail from Europe. 


Lutie had always blamed herself for having al- 
lowed her friendship with Mrs. Melton to be broken 
off. But her mother-in-law had insisted on severing 
all connection with their friends in Magnorum at the 
time of their departure for the old world, and Lutie 
was obliged to own her wisdom. They had gone to 
a villa in Italy which her husband’s father had re- 
tained and sometimes visited. Here they were well 
received, and upon emerging from their retirement 
found pleasant society at their very doors. Lutie’ s 
thoughts often reverted longingly to Mrs. Melton, 
but her mother frequently declared that she did not 
wish to hear a word from Magnorum, and after her 
marriage she found it doubly embarrassing to recall 
a friend who was so well acquainted with her life 
history when to those around her, save the prince, 
it was totally unknown. Lutie had told him aril. 
“Life is full of such things,” he had quietly re- 


CORANNA. 


99 


joined. “ You must learn to forget. I will try to 
make you happy, and I assure you that I will not 
elope. I have seen the ladies of three continents 
and I find you the most charming of them all. ,, 
And if not wildly happy Lutie had been very con- 
tented. 

But Mrs. Melton had lost a friend and felt that 
she had every right to be extremely huffy about it. 
“ To think of Lutie’ s going off and leaving me with- 
out a word,” she was wont to remark with tears in 
her eyes. Mr. Melton would laugh, Leguay would 
have nothing to say in the matter. He now devoted 
himself to Mrs. Melton exclusively, but so adroitly 
as to never seem intrusive. Having determined to 
permit nothing to interfere with his moneyed inter- 
ests Mr. Melton’s absences became more and 
more frequent and prolonged. There was no deny- 
ing Mrs. Melton’s beauty, grace, or talent, and when 
private theatricals were agreed upon she was fre- 
quently chosen for leading roles. Spurred on by 
success she devoted more and more time to affaires 
dramatique. She was assisted in her studies by 
Henri Leguay, who continually lamented that so 
bright a creature was already hampered by matri- 
mony. All agreed that if Mrs. Melton were a single 
woman and poor she could have taken to the boards 
and found a brilliant and congenial career. As for 
Mrs. Melton herself she failed to see why she should 
find any obstacle in her wealth, which was not great, 
or in a husband who came home at long intervals. 


100 


COR ANN A. 


So on one of these latter occasions she briefly inform- 
ed him that she had resolved to go upon the stage. 
Mr. Melton regarded her with amazement. “ Why, 
Clara, what freak is this? Can’t you find plenty of 
acting to do here in Magnorum? Are you dissatis- 
fied in any way? 99 

“ No, it isn’t that ; but other men and women have 
found fame agreeable. Why should not I ?” 

“ What do you propose to do with me, Clara ? ” 

“ Why, what do other actresses do with their 
husbands ? 99 

“ Divorce ’em,” answered Melton briefly. 

“ I don’t propose to be one of that sort,” return- 
ed Mrs. Melton pursing up her lips. 

“ Clara, I don’t think you would like the profes- 
sional stage. There is a great deal of hard work 
about it, slights, inconvenience, gossip, adverse 
criticism. I should think you tvould find it much 
more agreeable to remain here at home and not 
bother your head about such things.” 

“ I think I should prefer to travel ; I like action.” 

Melton crossed over to where his wife was sitting 
and put his arms about her. 

“ Come now, Clara, give it up? ” 

“ No, I won’t give it up,” stormed Mrs. Melton, 
“ Everybody says I have talent, and why are we 
given talent if we are not to use it? Do you think 
it is the proper thing for everybody to hide their 
light under a bushel? If I was meant just to stay 
here like this, why should I have any ambition? ” 


COR ANNA. 


101 


“I don’t understand these things myself,” re- 
turned Melton slowly. “I daresay you are right. 
Are you quite decided as to your course? ” 

“ Quite. I am to make my debut during the com- 
ing season.” 

Melton shivered a little. “I don’t think I shall be 
able to assist you much in this enterprise, Clara. 
This business is not in my line.” 

“ Burrell has offered to manage me.” 

“ Well, that settles it, I suppose?” 

“Yes, don’t worry about it at all, Frank ; Henri 
will attend to everything. He is to be one of the 
company ? ” 

So the subject was dismissed from their conversa- 
tion, but not from Melton’s mind, and he left home 
feeling thoroughly miserable. Mrs. Melton per- 
severed with her plans. Her debut made a sensa- 
tion and her first tour was likened to a triumphal 
progress. All were surprised that Mr. Melton took 
it so quietly. Certainly he did not seem enthu- 
siastic, nor could it be said that he disapproved. He 
joined his wife as frequently as possible and quietly 
awaited the time when she should weary of public 
life. Meanwhile he kept a sharp eye to business 
and in fancy saw Clara “ queening it ” in full pos- 
session of the boundless wealth which he would be 
able to command. Formerly in his travels he had 
found little that reminded him of his wife’s dainty 
personality; but now her features met his at every 
turn. They stared at him from the fences, they 


102 


CORANNA. 


peepedfrom behind jars in the drugstores, the photog- 
rapher’s windows were ablaze with them, he unrolled 
them with his cigarettes, and his morning newspaper 
rejoiced in a caricature which he vowed the editor’s 
wife had sat for. Melton had resolved neither to 
grumble nor discourage, but he would not feign in- 
terest in his wife’s theatrical career. He felt none. 
He had never cared to see her act and Clara 
always said it would embarrass her to have him of 
the audience. But upon arriving at a western city 
he found that his wife was billed for a week’s 
engagement at its largest theater. He had 
come upon her unexpectedly, having arranged to 
meet her further on. They had supped at the same 
hotel ere he was aware of her presence in the city. 
He then resolved to take a view of her before the 
foot-lights and sauntered to the theater, passing a 
five dollar bill to a speculator on the way for a 
choice seat. Nobody recognized him and he 
walked quietly to his place as the curtain, rose. 
He could not but own to a thrill of delight when 
Clara entered as Juliet, and recognized that there 
was a certain sort of music in the storm of ap- 
plause that followed. The whole performance was 
thoroughly charming. Watching, it took him back 
to the days when Clara had played the part without 
acting. Leguay as Romeo was not overpleasing ; 
but he did not mar the effect and left the audience 
free to bestow their entire attention upon Mrs. 
Melton. She was frequently called before the cur- 


CORANNA. 


103 


tain and Leguay handed her about in great style 
and with an air of possession that would have 
nettled Melton if he had not been so thoroughly ac- 
customed to him. As soon as the play closed he hur- 
ried to find Clara, who was feeling somewhat home- 
sick and greeted him with astonished delight. 
“ I had no idea you were such a brilliant little star, 
Clara,” he declared giving her a squeeze that made 
Romeo’s embraces seem timid. “It’s a great 
thing to see one’s wife these days. I had to pay 
five dollars for the privilege.” 

Mrs. Melton laughed. “ Oh, that’s the specula- 
tors, mean things. They got nearly all the tickets 
at E — and the people wouldn’t buy ’em, I had to 
play to empty seats. I wish they were somewhere. 
But I am so glad you like my acting, Frank ; I 
always thought you would make fun of it, and so 
dreaded to have you see me.” 

“Not at all, Clara; I honestly think you did 
right well.” 

Mr. Melton’s commendation put his wife into a 
very gracious mood. He accompanied her for 
quite a while and as an old Englishman put it, 
“ There was Romeo and Juliet hon hand hotf the 
stage.” 

But there was one dissatisfied person in that com- 
pany. That was Leguay. He had determined 
upon a pursuit of Mrs. Melton that was as cruel as 
it was senseless. He was not even in love with 
her, but there were so few cases in which he found 


104 


CORANNA. 


pursuit a necessity, and the winning of Mrs. Melton 
was difficult, nay, he sometimes feared impossible. 
Once on the stage he had thought that the coast 
would be clear, never doubting that her husband 
would be seriously displeased and their separation 
a certainty. Melton’s continued care and devotion 
annoyed him. Leguay did not like acting “ on the 
stage ” and became more and more disgusted with 
his part. At length he became so careless that the 
manager was completely out of patience. Leguay 
assured him that in his case the part was a mere 
matter of amusement and an actor was selected for 
the part. This left Leguay no excuse for lingering 
with the company ; but he continued to follow Mrs. 
Melton and spend every possible moment in her 
society. This proceeding made an immediate stir. 
Mr. Melton had heard of his wife’s change of sup- 
port and approved it. “ I did not think Henri’s 
theatrical craze would last,” he remarked ; “ he has 
very little talent and in some parts made quite a 
fool of himself, I thought.” 

“ Romeo is generally supposed to make a fool of 
himself, I believe,” curtly. 

“Yes, but it has to be done artistically, don’t 
you know?” 

“ I think he did right well, and his services have 
been invaluable in getting me well started ; I never 
had a better friend.” 

“ I own that, Clara, but friendship has its limits, 
and now, that Leguay has no place in your com- 


COR ANN A. 


105 


pany, I shall expect his close attendance to cease. 
Why should a man of his fortune follow your troupe 
about the country? It is your society that he 
seeks, and that alone.” 

“We were always companions, have the 
same tastes, are interested in the same subjects. 
Henri has been disappointed in love. He don’t say 
so, but I know it. I feel it. He prizes my friend- 
ship, and lvalue his.” 

“ But the world does not understand this friend- 
ship.” 

“Bother the world. It does not understand 
anything. What is the world to me? It is full 
of lies and I shall not regard it.” 

“ I say you shall regard it, Clara, and you must, 
for my sake. To a certain extent, you have lost 
position by going upon the stage at all, but I don’t 
care so much for that, as I regard those mostly as 
fools who think so. But you may as well under- 
stand, that I shall never permit a scandal to grow 
up around my wife.” 

“ You can’t be with me yourself, and the peo- 
ple around me are not congenial. I must have 
somebody that I can talk to.” 

“ That somebody must not be Leguay. Let 
him go off and get married. That’s what he ought 
to have done long ago.” 

Mrs Melton pouted, but made no answer, and 
her husband did not agaiu refer to the subject. 
After he was gone, Mrs. Melton seriously consid- 


106 


CORANNA. 


ered following his advice, and forbidding Leguay 
to continue his visits, but she put the matter off 
from time to time, realizing that the parting 
would be a serious business. Mr. Melton, watch- 
ing from afar, discovered no change in the aspect 
of affairs. The magnificent house which he had 
started in Magnorum was completed, but his wife 
was at the other side of the world ; he took posses- 
sion of it alone. Its servants are men, and as yet 
no woman has crossed its threshold. Leguay 
finally parted from Mrs. Melton and went in search 
of revenge upon Lutie. Was it satiety or despair? 
The matter can never be made clear. She is still 
on the stage, prosperous and admired. As to 
Frank, no word has passed between them since the 
failure of his counsel. Mr. Melton’s friends have 
urged him to some definite action, but he will have 
nothing to say upon the subject. Much he wonders 
if forgiveness is ever a crime. Friends may advise, 
but very well he knows that he could never find it 
in his heart to oppose Clara, if she volunteers to 
return there, as the mistress of the mansion that 
was built for her alone. 


Coranna came directly to Magnorum. Events 
had crowded to such an extent that he feared for 
his reason. Magnorum agreed with him. The 
scenes, fresh yet familiar, soothed him. He began 


COR ANN A. 


107 


to feel more and more natural, more like the Cor- 
anna of old. It occurred to him to inquire about 
his old partner, Leguay. Wealth had been his ruin. 
He had entered upon a career of vice that had made 
his name a by-word in the city. Having squandered 
all his money, he was now poor. But for all that was 
said against him some of the old friendly feeling still 
stirred Coranna’s heart and he continued his search. 
At length he found Henri in the attic of a tene- 
ment, wretchedly ill, unconscious, too bad to be 
moved, the doctor said. Coranna immediately con- 
stituted himself nurse and surrounded the invalid 
with what comfort was possible. When Leguay 
became conscious he made himself kn'»wn to him. 
“ So you hunted me up and nursed me did you? 
If you knew all that you owed me you would have 
let me die in the gutter and given me a parting kick.” 

“ How is that, Henri.” 

“ Charlie, old boy, I’ve wronged you. If it was 
anybody else, I’d die silent; but if there is anything 
I can undo, for God’s sake give me the chance. It 
is quite a story, I sent you letters about your wife 
and Lieutenant Franklin. He was her brother. I 
didn’t tell you that, but I knew it. I thought you 
would find them kissing each other and I suppose 
you did. Estelle wanted to marry you herself and 
I intended to marry Lutie. But you were so quick. 
You didn’t give us a chance. She wouldn’t have 
married me anyhow ; I asked her after you left. 
She treated me as if I had been a dog — threw me 


108 


CORANNA. 


off. I swore revenge, but your mother was as quick 
as yourself. She left Magnorum quietly. They 
traveled Europe. I lost the clue for a long time 
but found it again and followed it up. I had sworn 
that she should be wretched. I found her happily 
married, and to a Prince. I swore he shouldn’t 
have her. She would not have me for her husband. 
She should have none. 1 shot him.” 

“You shot him ! ” 

“ Yes, I shot him. Some one fought me, but I 
escaped. I then intended to follow up my revenge 
and have her brother arrested, but I had no time. 
She never told you that she had a brother, did she?” 

“No.” 

“ He had been arrested, charged with murder and 
had escaped. He was continually disguising and 
hiding. He had quarreled with his room-mate at 
college and had thrown him into the river. It was 
known that the fellow could not swim and his body 
was never afterwards found. The man is alive ; I 
have his address. Here it is,” he continued, hand- 
ing him a card. “ Van Straat would know him 
any day. Disliking his guardian he took the op- 
portunity to slip off to sea, never dreaming of the 
consequences. You won’t kill me, Charlie,” he 
begged, glancing at Coranna’s darkening counte- 
nance. “ I won’t live long, I’ve suffered, too.” 

“ You are safe as far as I am concerned. What 
can undo the past?” Coranna gloomily retorted. 

“ How did you get rid of Estelle? She is here 


CORANNA. 


109 


in Magnorum living in grand style. I saw her in 
her fine carriage one day and followed her home. I 
loved Estelle. I would have done anything for her 
always. I got into her house and told her who I wns. 
I showed her the marks on my arm that I had tat- 
tooed to please her when we were children. I was 
hungry. Charlie, you don’t know how hard it is to 
be hungry, when you are not used to it. I told her 
I was, and she laughed ! She said I had got beyond 
the pale of respectability and she couldn’t afford to 
have me around. If she helped me once or claim- 
ed me I would always be poking about. She ordered 
the servant to put me into the street. He did ; he 
threw me out. She is very particular now, you 
know, Charlie, is married, goes to church and all. 
I will send her to one of the places her church 
preaches about when I get well enough.” 

“ Here, don’t talk like that. You are dying your- 
self, Henri, You have caused me untold misery, and 
I was always your friend. For my part I forgive 
you. Try to ask forgiveness of Him above and die 
in peace. I will leave you now, but only for a 
short time. Shall I get some one to stay with 
you?” 

“No, I would rather be alone. But you will give 
me a little money, Charlie, won’t you? just a little ; 
I hate so to be without money.” 

Coranna handed him a bill in silence, thinking 
his request merely one of the vagaries of a sick 
person, never dreaming that he was strong enough 


110 


CORANNA. 


to get out of the room. No sooner had Coran n a 
left than Leguay arose and put on his coat and hat. 
Going out into the street he purchased a revolver 
and dragged himself to Estelle’s new home. For 
hours he watched in the shadow of the steps beside 
the entrance. Her carriage drove up at last, and 
she alighted, gay with satin, lace and jewels, her 
husband, a handsome man, accompanying her. But 
the gay words were frozen on her lips. Henri’s 
bullet pierced to the heart. To place the pistol at 
his own head and fire was the work of an instant. 
They perished together. Coranna hearing of the 
occurrence now sickened of Magnorum. Where- 
ever he turned he was confronted by murder. The „ 
air seemed full of it. In some way he felt partially 
responsible for the tragic turn affairs had taken. 
His one wrong step had involved much of this re- 
sult. 

But instead of being able to sever himself en- 
tirely from the past he longed more and more to 
see his mother, to be near the woman he had once 
called wife. So he took Marie and again set sail for 
Europe. He had not communicated with his mother 
since that meeting, so intensely had he dreaded any 
association that reminded him of that happy past. 
Then the way she looked at Marie had hurt him. 
He was very sensitive about that little daughter. 
But he now resolved upon a visit. Arriving at 
Paris, he consulted the address his mother had given 
him and found she occupied a residence in a fash- 


CORANNA. 


Ill 


ionable quarter. Early one morning he drove to 
her home and leaving Marie in the carriage entered 
for an interview alone. She raised her head upon 
his entrance and surveyed him. 

“ Mother,” he said huskily. 

“ Well, what have you been doing?” she inquired 
coolly. 

“ I have been trying to redeem the past.” 

“ I’m glad of that,” returned the old lady rising 
and offering him her hand. “You are looking 
much better. By what name are you known at 
present?” 

Coranna winced. “I am known as Signor Ada- 
mari.” 

“ The composer; then you have turned your at- 
tention to music again. I’m glad of that, I always 
knew you had talent. It is better to cultivate any- 
thing than the wrong sort of women.” 

“ For God’s sake, mother, don’t say any more 
about that. Estelle is dead and Henri also. May 
Heaven forgive them, as I have tried to do. They 
both wronged me, I was simply the victim of their 
mutual disappointment,” and he told her of Henri’s 
confession. 

Mrs. Coranna’s face changed many times during 
the recital. At its close she embraced him tender- 
ly. “ It is such a relief, Charlie — such a relief, to 
know all. We thought Estelle an innocent girl and 
that you lured her to ruin. And we never dreamt 
of your suspecting Lutie. It did not seem possi- 


112 


CORANNA. 


ble that my son could be so wicked, but there were 
the facts.” 

“How did Lutie take my departure, mother?” 
he asked, eagerly. 

“ It very nearly killed her. She idolized you. 
She made no fuss whatever. It was impossible at 
first to get her to take any interest in life. But the 
rush of travel gradually brought about a reaction. 
I had fairly to force her into society. But I was 
determined that she should not be crushed and her 
young life completely wrecked. I married her to a 
Prince.” 

“Ah, yes, I saw him killed. Henri did it. A 
man I never for a moment distrusted. He com- 
pletely fooled us all.” 

“ What has become of that little girl?” 

“ Marie]? I left her out in the carriage. Mother, 
the girl is one of the sweetest creatures that ever 
lived, and so innocent. She thinks me perfection ; 
you will never let her know anything to my dis- 
credit.” 

“ Certainly not, go and bring her to me.” 

“ This lady is a very dear friend of mine, Marie,” 
announced Coranna leading her in. 

“She is your mother, ” returned the little girl 
looking calmly into her father’s eyes. “ Don’t you 
remember that day she came to see us.” 

“ And is not a mother a very dear friend; ” re- 
turned the old lady embracing her. 

“Marie, there is a secret about all this. She is 


CORANNA, 


113 


my mother and your grandmother, but you must 
never mention the fact. Can papa trust you?” 

“ Papa, you could trust me with anything.” 

“I am sure of that. What do you think of her, 
mother? ” 

46 If she is as good as she is pretty, she will do, ” 
answered the old lady kissing her cheek ; “ can you 
remain with me for awhile? ” 

“Yes, I came to visit you. But, mother, where 
is Lutie? ” 

“ She is here,” returned the old lady with a 
smile. 

“ Mother, what shall I do ? You can't think there 
is any hope? ” 

“ If 1 were in your place I would explain all.” 

“I could never do it. I do not wish to see her 
again until she knows.” 

“Stay here, I will send you to your apartments 
and tell her myself.” 

Taking Marie, Coranna hastily retired in charge 
of a servant. Shortly after the princess entered, 
closely followed by her sons. She was attired in 
deep mourning. Her beauty seemed to be of a 
type that positively refused to dim. The color still 
glowed in her cheeks and the ringlets of bright 
hair curled softly round her temples. But her ex- 
pression was listless and her manner had lost all its 
bright vivacity. Could she recover from this sec- 
ond shock? After greeting her mother-in-law she 
seated herself, sighing wearily as she drew forth 
8 


114 


CORANNA. 


her embroidery. Carlo handed her a bunch of roses. 
“ Aren’t they beautiful, mother? Did you ever see 
exactly that shade before? ” 

“No, I can’t say that I have. They are very 
lovely,” laying them aside in an absent-minded 
way. With a look of disappointment, Carlo 
quietly withdrew to a corner, and began playing 
softly on his flute. 

“ Mamma never laughs any more, grandma, ” 
grumbled Cino in a whisper. “ What can I do to 
make her laugh? ” 

“ Run off and play, Cino, your mother does not 
feel like laughing. There is no amusement in 
lausrhing unless you are merry.” 

Thus admonished Cino gave his mother a wistful 
look and carried the argument over to his brother. 
Mrs. Coran na crossed over and sat near the Princess; 
“ Lutie, do you ever think of Charlie?” 

“Oh, mother, why do you mention him?” 

“ Because I have lately discovered why he eloped 
with Estelle.” 

“Who has told you? why was it? He loved 
her. And yet I could never see why he married 
me. He might have married her instead.” 

“Just so; but he cared nothing for Estelle. He 
saw you in your brother’s arms.” 

“ And thought — and thought — ’ ’ 

“ He was a lover. Then he fled with Estelle, be- 
ing so shocked that he did not clearly realize what 


CORANNA. 


115 


he was doing. Why did you not tell him of your 
brother, Lutie?” 

“ I had sworn not to tell. Then he really loved 
me.” 

“ So much that the idea that you were untrue to 
him drove him frantic. Leguay sent notes warning 
him to watch you.” 

“ That horrible man ; he wanted me to marry him. 
But who has told you all this, mother?” 

“ Do you know Signor Adamari?” 

“ The composer? Yes; he visited us for awhile 
and was with us when the Prince died. Did Adamari 
tell you this?” . j 

“ Yes, and he told me also that Charlie had been 
saved. Lutie, don’t look so wild, daughter, Charlie 
and Adamari are one.” 

“ Oh ! mother, mother !” she gasped breathlessly, 
“he is alive. Carlo, you father is alive! Oh! 
mother, mother, where is he? Don’t keep me in 
suspense.” 

“ And you forgive him, Lutie?” 

“ Forgive him ! my husband I my darling ! Oh, 
mother, just let me see his face once more, where is 
he — where is he?” 

“ Here I am,” said Coranna, stepping forward 
and folding her in his arms in a passionate em- 
brace. 

“ How is it, are you really my father?” said 
Carlo, coming forward and laying a trembling hand 
upon Coranna’ s arm. 


116 


CORANNA. 


“Lutie, what shall I say to him?” he begged, 
turning away distressfully. 

“ Your father and I were separated by the basest 
treachery on the part of one whom we believed to 
be a friend, and I thought him dead,” returned 
Lutie quickly. “This is your father, Carlo; 
Signor Adamari’s real name is Coranna.” 

“ It seems too good to be true, doesn’t it, 
mother, to have such a great composer for one’s 
father. But you won’t be so glad to have me for 
a son, I am not so much,” returned Carlo quietly. 

Coranna laughed outright. “We certainly shan’t 
accuse you of vanity. But I will never bear my 
own name again,” continued Coranna sadly, “ you 
alone will have a right to that. Not a word of all 
this to your brother, Carlo ; nor to any one. I will 
still continue to be Signor Adamari and we will be 
married again, if your mother will consent to take 
that name; will you, Lutie?” 

“ Yes ; that is the only way we can arrange it,” 
returned Lutie, “ what’s in a name as long as we 
are together, darling, and happy once more. You 
will trust me in future, will you not?” 

“ Coranna’ s answer was given in kisses. Upon 
reflection they decided not to take Lutie’s brother 
into their confidence. A secret had best remain a 
secret and it would only distress him to know that 
he had unwittingly caused so much misery. Cor- 
anna easily brought about a communication be- 
tween him and the man for whose supposed death 


CORANNA. 


117 


he was held accountable. When the marriage was 
about to take place Lutie sent for her uncle, who 
kept her secrets and visited her occasionally, always 
an object of terror to the Prince’s household. 

“ Dree times I got to come on a vedding mit dot 
giri Loodie,” he explained toVanStraat; “ vun 
lawyer runs avay; marry a prince; prince gets 
shot; marry right along vid a composer. Dot girl 
no stay shnivelling around; dot voman’s got 
sense.” 

Coranna sometimes regretted his American home. 
For grace and culture the society around him was 
such as he had only dreamed of in youth. But he 
missed the rusk and fervor of the new world. Lutie 
was uniformly happy, but at times the past bore 
heavily upon Coranna. His son grieved for the 
Prince as for a father. Cino proved a wild youth, 
and it was only the watchful care and patient for- 
bearance of his stepfather that prevented his being 
entirely ruined. Whenever Coranna was tempted to 
be tried no further he would remember the prince’s 
treatment of Carlo, and gratitude prevailed where 
grace might not. As soon as Cino was of age he 
married Marie, and they were devoted to each other. 
But Carlo is the idol of both parents. He is not a 
composer, but the power and pathos of his voice 
holds thousands enchanted, for the world claims no 
finer tenor than Coranna. 



















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